Perfidy

US War Crime Claim: Disguised Aircraft in Drug Boat Attack Draws Skepticism

The New York Times reported that a US military aircraft was allegedly disguised as a civilian plane during a September strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat. This action raises concerns of a potential war crime, as the concealment of military insignia and weaponry could constitute an act of “perfidy” under international law. The report suggests the aircraft lacked military markings and swooped low enough for the targets to see it. The article further details the September 2nd attack, including the possibility of a “double tap” strike, and discusses subsequent boat strikes that were conducted with clearly marked military aircraft.

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Pentagon’s Use of Civilian-Disguised Aircraft in Fatal Attack Raises War Crime Concerns

Pentagon used a secret aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane killing 11 people in September. The core of this issue, and the thing that’s really sticking in my craw, is the accusation that the Pentagon deployed an aircraft disguised as a civilian plane in September, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. This raises some serious questions, not the least of which is, why?

U.S. military manuals, steeped in the laws of war, explicitly condemn perfidy. Perfidy, in this context, is when a combatant intentionally feigns civilian status, tricking their opponent into lowering their guard. Military handbooks emphasize the importance of distinguishing military forces from civilians.… Continue reading