Trump administration ends Obama-era landmine restriction

As predicted, via the Trump White House the Pentagon is relaxing its policy on the use of landmines by U.S, forces, so that landmines can be used on the Korean peninsula.

A Friday afternoon statement by the Trump Press Secretary formally announced that Trump has canceled the Obama Administrations policy to ban United States military forces from using anti-personnel landmines outside of the Korean Peninsula.

Said Stephanie Grisham to reporters: "The President is unwilling to accept this risk to our troops."

PREVIOUSLY ON BOING BOING:Landmines are actually good, says Defense Sec as Trump prepares to undo Obama-era landmine ban

President Trump formally cancels Obama-era restrictions on use of landmines, WH announces pic.twitter.com/Se1MBNwtcP

— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) January 31, 2020

Just in from the White House - Pentagon is relaxing its policy on use of landmines so that they can be used outside of South Korea/DMZ

— Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) January 31, 2020

Trump has canceled the Obama Administrations policy to prohibit United States military forces from employing anti-personnel landmines outside of the Korean Peninsula. pic.twitter.com/ExZlHr19Jl

— Jason Leopold (@JasonLeopold) January 31, 2020

From Afghanistan & Angola to Cambodia & Colombia, anti-personnel landmines have devasted soldiers & civilians alike.

For nearly 3 decades the US has limited their use, production & export and for the past decade, used them only on the Korean Peninsula. https://t.co/Ey8KbUMaGe

— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 31, 2020

The U.S. will now allow "advanced, non-persistent landmines specifically designed to reduce unintended harm to civilians and partner forces" to allow the military more "flexibility and capability."