U.S. Attacked Boat With Aircraft That Looked Like a Civilian Plane
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Pentagon used a secret aircraft disguised as a civilian plane in its first lethal attack on a drug-smuggling boat last September, resulting in 11 deaths.
- The plane carried munitions inside its fuselage rather than visibly under its wings, enhancing its nonmilitary appearance.
- Legal experts warn this disguise could constitute the war crime of perfidy, as international law prohibits combatants from feigning civilian status to deceive adversaries.
- Retired Maj. Gen. Steven J. Lepper stated that if the aircraft's appearance caused the boat’s occupants to misjudge the threat and fail to evade or surrender, it would violate armed conflict laws.
- Surveillance footage indicates the plane flew low enough to be seen by those on
