0:49President Trump declared on his social media platform on September 2, 2025, that he directed U.S. military forces to execute “a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.”@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
The aircraft utilized to target a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean last September was part of a fleet of covert planes designed to resemble civilian aircraft, primarily used for surveillance, according to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke to ABC News.
This revelation, initially reported by The New York Times, raises further concerns regarding the legality of the September 2 strikes, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including two who survived an initial assault.
This strike marked the first of many operations targeting vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that the administration claims were transporting illegal narcotics.
President Trump declared on his social media platform on September 2, 2025, that he directed U.S. military forces to execute “a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.”@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
"I have very, very significant concerns regarding the legality of our use of certain aircraft, and I believe there needs to be further investigation," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., stated to reporters on Tuesday after a classified briefing on military operations.
The laws governing armed conflict forbid military personnel from masquerading as civilians, who receive special protections during warfare.
While there seems to be some discussion regarding what actions specifically qualify as "perfidy" — a war crime — international rights organizations assert that instances include feigning surrender, acting incapacitated, and impersonating a non-combatant.
The White House did not promptly respond to requests for commentary.
A third individual knowledgeable about the incident, who chose to remain anonymous due to security concerns, informed ABC News that the aircraft was registered to the Air Force and was "squawking," or transmitting signals, indicating that it was part of the U.S. Air Force.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses the media following a briefing for the House of Representatives regarding the situation in Venezuela, on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 7, 2026.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
"The U.S. military employs a broad range of standard and nonstandard aircraft based on mission requirements," Defense Department Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson stated in a release.
"Before the deployment and use of any aircraft, they undergo a stringent procurement process to guarantee adherence to domestic laws, departmental policies and regulations, as well as relevant international standards, including the laws of armed conflict," Wilson added.
Sources indicated that the Air Force operates a fleet of crewed aircraft designed to mimic civilian planes. Such aircraft would be advantageous for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and utilizing them in this manner would not contravene the laws of warfare.
President Trump declared on his social media platform on September 2, 2025, that he directed U.S. military forces to execute “a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.”@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
The munitions utilized in the strike were concealed within the aircraft, rather than affixed to its wings — further camouflaging its intent and preventing the targeted combatants from having a chance to surrender, according to one source familiar with the situation.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com