In an unconventional move, the U.S. military employed a plane camouflaged to resemble a civilian aircraft during a mission targeting a drug-smuggling vessel near Venezuela last autumn. This aircraft, part of a clandestine U.S. surveillance fleet, carried weapons inside its fuselage rather than externally, sparking concerns about potential violations of military protocols.
Information on the aircraft’s deceptive appearance, initially disclosed by the New York Times on Monday, was verified by two anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated that the U.S. military utilizes a diverse range of both standard and nonstandard aircraft based on mission needs.
These revelations follow a series of U.S. military actions against Venezuela, including attacks on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in significant casualties. The campaign culminated in a recent operation that led to the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in the United States.
Amid escalating tensions, the U.S. Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution this week, seeking to restrict further military interventions in Venezuela without explicit congressional approval. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration over potential constraints on his authority, actively lobbying Republican senators to oppose the resolution.
The Trump administration has justified its actions by claiming an “armed conflict” with drug cartels in the region and labeling boat operators as unlawful combatants. However, military guidelines strictly prohibit soldiers from posing as civilians during combat, a practice known as “perfidy,” as outlined in the U.S. Defence Department manual and the Navy’s regulations.
As scrutiny mounts over the legality of the military strikes, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials face calls from Congress to address concerns, particularly regarding a controversial follow-up strike that resulted in casualties among survivors. Lawmakers have urged the Pentagon to release unedited video footage of the operations, a request that Hegseth has declined.
Legal experts have raised questions about the compliance of the follow-up strike with international laws, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in military actions. Senators were recently briefed on the classified legal justifications for Maduro’s removal, with differing opinions emerging on the operation’s legality and the administration’s handling of the Venezuelan crisis.