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U.S. used civilian-disguised aircraft in Venezuela strike

Military disguised combat aircraft as civilian plane, violating law of war·January 12, 2026

The New York Times reported on Jan. 13, 2026, that the U.S. military used an aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane for a Sep. 2, 2025, strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The disguised aircraft killed 11 people, including two survivors of an initial attack. Using civilian markings on combat aircraft violates the law of war and constitutes perfidy, a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.

The Sep. 2 strike was the first of dozens of attacks Trump ordered against vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that the administration says carried illegal narcotics. Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, calling it a "kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists." The Geneva Conventions prohibit military forces from using civilian disguises during combat operations.

Key facts

The New York Times reported on Jan. 13, 2026, that the U.S. military used an aircraft painted to look civilian for a Sept. 2, 2025, strike in the Caribbean. The disguised plane was part of a fleet typically reserved for conducting surveillance operations, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The aircraft struck a suspected drug boat, killing 11 people.

Two people survived an initial attack only to be killed in a follow-up strike, according to reports. The Sept. 2 operation was the first of dozens of strikes Trump ordered against vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The administration says the boats were carrying illegal narcotics and were operated by criminal organizations.

Trump announced the Sept. 2 strike on Truth Social, calling it a 'kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.' SOUTHCOM is the U.S. military's combatant command covering Central and South America and the Caribbean. The administration hasn't released video footage or detailed targeting criteria for the strikes.

The Geneva Conventions prohibit military forces from disguising combat aircraft as civilian planes. The rule protects actual civilian aircraft from being mistaken as military threats. Legal experts say using civilian markings on combat aircraft violates the law of war and could constitute a war crime.

Human Rights Watch called for investigation into the reported use of disguised aircraft. The organization says the disclosure raises questions about erosion of internal safeguards on U.S. military operations. U.S. lawmakers including those from both parties have demanded the administration release video of the boat strikes and explain targeting procedures.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to comment when asked about the disguised aircraft. The White House also refused to provide details about the plane's use or why civilian markings were employed. Pentagon officials haven't explained who authorized using surveillance aircraft painted as civilian planes for combat strikes.

The FAA issued a background notice in Nov. 2025 warning U.S. civil aviation about increased GPS interference in Venezuela's airspace

The notice mentioned Venezuela's military exercises and mass mobilization of forces starting in early Sep. 2025

It cautioned that Venezuela possesses advanced fighter aircraft and weapons systems capable of reaching civil aircraft operating altitudes The timing coincided with the disguised aircraft strikes.