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On September 2, a U.S. military operation targeting a narcoterrorist vessel in the Caribbean resulted in 11 fatalities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strike, classifying all aboard as military targets.

The operation utilized an aircraft disguised as a civilian plane, prompting legal concerns regarding 'perfidy,' a potential war crime. Following the strike, the military shifted to using MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Legal experts argue the deceptive tactics violate armed conflict laws prohibiting combatants from feigning civilian status. Survivors of the initial attack were killed in follow-up strikes, raising further legal questions. The Pentagon maintains the legality of the operation, asserting it complies with international standards, while calls for accountability grow in Congress.