U.S. Military's Reported Use Of Plane That Looked Like a Civilian Aircraft To Strike Alleged Drug Vessels Could Be a War Crime

The U.S. military used a secret plane painted to look like a civilian aircraft to conduct its first attack against an alleged drug vessel last September, according to a new report.

Legal specialists told The New York Times that the appearance is key, especially as the Trump administration argues its attacks were lawful because it is in an armed conflict with drug cartels in the region.

If that is effectively the case, the use of disguised aircraft is prohibited by the laws of armed conflict because it can lead combatants to deceive opponents into dropping their guard. The war crime in question is called "perfidy." The crime would become such if the aircraft got close enough for the people on the boat to see it, tricking them into failing to take evasive action or surrender.

Officials who saw or were briefed on the attack told the outlet that such was effectively the case, and the boat had turned back toward Venezuela, apparently after seeing the plane, before the strike. Two survivors of the first strike appeared to wave at the aircraft while holding to debris before being killed by a follow-up strike.

Ever since, the report added, the military switched to recognizable military aircraft, including MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Military leaders have asked questions about perfidy in closed-door briefings of Congress, people familiar with the matter told the NYT.

The Pentagon reacted with a statement, saying that its arsenal has undergone legal review for compliance with the laws of armed conflict.

"The U.S. military utilizes a wide array of standard and nonstandard aircraft depending on mission requirements," said Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson.

"Prior to the fielding and employment of each aircraft, they go through a rigorous procurement process to ensure compliance with domestic law, department policies and regulations, and applicable international standards, including the law of armed conflict."

• Oil Tanker Carrying Half a Million Barrels Returns to Venezuela After Interim Leader Seeks U.S. Military Help
• Colombian President Petro Pinpoints Location Of U.S. Strike On Alleged Drug Vessels, Offers Help To Locate Survivors

© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.