The mission, Obama added, showed that Al-Qaeda and its allies will find \u201cno safe haven anywhere in the world.\u201d\u009d But some ethicists are raising questions about whether the killing violated international law. University of Notre Dame international law professor Mary Ellen O\u2019Connell released a statement calling the strike an illegal mission. \u201cDerogation from the fundamental right to life is permissible only in battle zones or to save a human life immediately. The killing of Anwar al-Awlaki did not occur in these circumstances,\u201d\u009d she said. In an interview with managing editor Kim Lawton earlier this year, O\u2019Connell discussed her ethical concerns about the increased use of drones for targeted killings outside official combat zones. Lawton also talked with retired Lt. General David Deptula, who oversaw the US Air Force\u2019s drone program from 2006 until 2010.<\/p>\n