A secret CIA report published by WikiLeaks has suggested drone strikes may be counterproductive and can strengthen the resolve of extremist groups.

According to the 2009 document, "high value targeting" involving air strikes and specific attacks against insurgent leaders, can result in greater popular support for extremist groups.

The US, with support from Australia, has used drone strikes as a key component of its attacks on Islamic extremist terrorist groups in the Middle East and south Asia.