Overview
- The reporting describes a September strike on an alleged drug boat that killed 11 people and involved a military aircraft painted to resemble a civilian plane.
- The aircraft’s weapons were reportedly concealed inside its fuselage rather than mounted externally where they would be visible.
- Two survivors were seen in the water for about 40 minutes before a second strike killed them, which the report says was authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The Pentagon says the operation complied with domestic and international law and did not directly address the perfidy allegation in its public response.
- Photos from plane-spotting enthusiasts showed modified, unmarked 737s at St. Croix, and subsequent boat strikes have used recognizably military platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones.