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US Accused of War Crimes for ‘Disguising’ Aircraft in Drug Boat Attack Amidst Venezuela Tensions

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US Accused of War Crimes for ‘Disguising’ Aircraft in Drug Boat Attack Amidst Venezuela Tensions

Disguised Military Action: An Alleged War Crime in the Caribbean

The United States military is under scrutiny for allegedly disguising one of its aircraft as a civilian plane during an attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat from Venezuela. As reported by The New York Times, this incident raises significant questions concerning potential violations of international law.

The Context of the Incident

This military operation was part of a broader boat-bombing campaign initiated by former President Donald Trump on September 2 in the southern Caribbean Sea. Trump reportedly announced on his platform, Truth Social, that the initial attack resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals he labeled as “narcoterrorists.” The attack’s legitimacy and legality, however, have come under increasing debate, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of a civilian disguise.

Disguise as a Tactic

According to the New York Times report, the aircraft involved was painted in the standard military grey but lacked official military markings. Crucially, the plane’s missiles were concealed within the fuselage rather than being visibly mounted under its wings. This deliberate act of disguise may constitute a violation of international law, particularly regarding the prohibition of “perfidy.”

Major General Steven Lepper, a retired deputy judge advocate general for the U.S. Air Force, emphasized this perspective, explaining that concealing military insignia and engaging in deceptive tactics could be classified as perfidy. He asserted, “If the aircraft flying above is not identifiable as a combatant aircraft, it should not be engaged in combatant activity.”

Political Implications

Interestingly, there was no immediate response from the White House following the publication of these revelations. This silence leaves room for speculation regarding who within the military command authorized the deceptive tactics. The article suggested that the military’s operational methods have evolved since the incident, shifting towards clearly marked military aircraft in subsequent strikes.

The Trump administration framed the attacks as essential measures for combating the influx of illicit drugs from South America. In a memo to Congress, Trump referred to the U.S. involvement as being engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” against drug cartels, whom he categorized as unlawful combatants. This classification, however, runs counter to established legal definitions, as drug trafficking is classified as a criminal offense rather than an armed conflict.

International Law and Human Rights Concerns

Legal experts and human rights advocates, including those at the United Nations, have characterized these military actions as potential violations of international law, including acts of extrajudicial killing. Reports following the September 2 attack indicated it involved a “double tap” strategy, where a second missile strike was reportedly authorized to target survivors, raising further ethical and legal concerns about the military’s conduct.

Survivor Accounts and Military Protocols

The New York Times highlighted that during the initial attack, survivors reportedly waved at the disguised aircraft while clinging to wreckage, only to be killed in the subsequent strike. This raises grave questions about the actions of the military and whether the victims might have been able to escape had the aircraft been properly identified as a military asset.

This contrasted with a later incident on October 16, where survivors of another attack swam away after the first strike, thus preserving their lives. Such differences in response highlight the complexities and dangers inherent in military operations conducted without clear identification.

Congressional Oversight and Future Actions

Members of Congress have been briefed on the details of the September 2 attack, and discussions surrounding the legality of the military’s tactics, including perfidy, have emerged during these closed-door sessions. U.S. military manuals articulate detailed laws regarding warfare, making it clear that deception involving a feigned civilian identity is forbidden.

In light of the controversies surrounding the strikes, the U.S. military has reportedly reverted to the use of clearly marked military aircraft for subsequent operations. Despite the growing scrutiny, officials from the Trump administration maintain that their actions fall well within the legal purview of government authority, steadfastly denying any wrongdoing throughout the boat-bombing campaign.

Ongoing Military Engagements

Since the inception of the September 2 attack, the U.S. military has conducted at least 35 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in a reported 114 fatalities and one presumed death. The continuing implications of these operations raise questions not just about legality and ethics but also about the broader impact of such military actions on international relations and domestic policy.

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Crime & Justice

Ensuring Safety in Every Neighborhood: CMPD Reports Decline in Violent Crime

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January 15, 2026

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Ensuring Safety in Every Neighborhood: CMPD Reports Decline in Violent Crime

Crime Rates in Charlotte: A 9% Drop in 2025

Introduction to Charlotte’s Crime Statistics

Charlotte, North Carolina, has experienced notable changes in its crime statistics in 2025, as reported by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Despite the city’s ongoing growth, overall crime dropped by 9%, highlighting the effectiveness of community collaboration and proactive policing strategies employed by the CMPD.

Significant Reductions in Violent Crime

In 2025, CMPD reported a remarkable 21% decrease in violent crime, which encompasses serious offenses like homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault. Homicides fell from 110 in 2024 to 96 in 2025, translating to a decline of 13%. Moreover, CMPD achieved a commendable clearance rate, with nearly 79% of homicide cases resolved through arrests. Robberies saw a 24% reduction, while aggravated assaults, including shootings, decreased by 20%.

Property Crime Trends

Property crimes also reflected a downward trend, decreasing by 6% overall. Specifically, vehicle thefts witnessed a significant reduction of 20%, dropping from 7,442 incidents in 2024 to 5,960 in 2025. CMPD attributes these improvements to targeted policing strategies and enhanced operational initiatives aimed at crime deterrence.

Proactive Policing and Community Engagement

Chief Estella Patterson emphasized the dedication of CMPD officers who actively work to defuse conflicts and prevent violent escalation. “Day in and day out, our officers defuse conflict,” Patterson stated during a briefing. Enhancements in police visibility, especially during peak times, were achieved through initiatives like Operation Safe Season, which resulted in substantial arrests and firearm seizures during the holiday season.

Technological Advancements in Policing

Innovation plays a vital role in Charlotte’s crime reduction efforts. The Connect Charlotte camera program has expanded significantly, with over 2,800 cameras integrated with CMPD. This technology allows officers to have immediate access to live footage, enhancing response times during emergencies. Deputy Chief Bret Balamucki noted the advantage this provides: “If there is an issue or concern from a 911 call, you have an officer with eyes on the issue.”

The Challenge of Juvenile Offenders

While crime statistics showed overall positive trends, the report highlighted a concerning issue: juvenile crime. CMPD noted an 11% overall decrease in incidents involving juvenile suspects, yet certain areas raised alarms. For example, the number of juveniles suspected in shootings into occupied dwellings surged by 26%, while larceny from vehicles involving youths increased by 7%. This presents a complex challenge, as nearly 2,400 arrests in 2025 involved juveniles.

Addressing Repeat Offenders

CMPD recognizes that many of these juvenile offenders are repeat offenders who cycle through the justice system. Deputy Chief Jackie Bryley stressed the need for a collaborative approach among law enforcement, the justice system, local leaders, and the community to break this cycle. The Juvenile Accountability Diversion and Empowerment (JADE) team aims to intervene early and engage with at-risk youth and their families to reduce recidivism rates.

Innovative Programs in Action

One success story from the JADE program illustrates the potential impact of early intervention. Officers followed up with a 14-year-old involved in an armed robbery, and through sustained engagement, this youth has yet to reoffend. Bryley pointed out the program’s focus: “The purpose was to intervene early, build relationships, and connect our at-risk youth and their families with resources.”

Looking Forward: CMPD’s Priorities for 2026

With an eye on the future, Chief Patterson delineated three key priorities for 2026: reducing violent crime, enhancing community engagement, and boosting employee morale. CMPD continues to focus on data-driven strategies, strengthening partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, and investing in technology to ensure public safety.

The Importance of Community Collaboration

Patterson’s closing remarks encapsulated the ethos of CMPD’s approach: “Public safety is not achieved by policing alone but together with the community.” This recognition of the community’s role underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring that every neighborhood in Charlotte feels safe and secure.

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Crime & Justice

Chicago Crime: Three Shot, One Dead in Morgan Park

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January 15, 2026

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Chicago Crime: Three Shot, One Dead in Morgan Park

Tragic Shooting in Chicago’s Morgan Park Leaves One Dead and Two Injured

CHICAGO – A shocking incident unfolded Wednesday night in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago, where gun violence claimed the life of one man and left two others wounded. The seriousness of the situation underscores ongoing concerns around public safety and the growing incidents of gun-related crimes in urban areas.

Incident Overview

The shooting occurred around 8:39 PM in the 11000 block of South Longwood Avenue. Responding officers from the Chicago Police Department arrived on the scene to discover three men suffering from gunshot wounds. The gravity of the situation necessitated immediate medical attention; fire department paramedics swiftly transported the victims to Advocate Christ Medical Center for urgent care.

Victim Details

Among the victims, a 28-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his lower back and was tragically pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival. Another male victim, also aged 28, was reported to have multiple gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition, reflecting the severity of his injuries. The third victim, a 28-year-old man, was shot in the left foot but is fortunately listed in good condition, indicating a relatively better prognosis.

Investigation Status

As of Thursday morning, no suspects are in custody, and investigators are currently piecing together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Area Two detectives are leading the investigation, but no further details have been made public as they continue their work. The absence of immediate arrests raises questions and concerns within the community, emphasizing the need for effective law enforcement strategies to prevent such incidents.

Community Impact

Gun violence remains a pressing issue in Chicago, with neighborhoods like Morgan Park grappling with the repercussions of crime on daily life. Residents often feel the strain of living in an environment where such tragic incidents become all too common, leading to calls for increased safety measures and community engagement to combat the cycle of violence.

Perspectives from Authorities

The information reported comes from the Chicago Police Department, which remains focused on addressing crime and public safety in the area. As they investigate this troubling event, officials are likely to face public scrutiny demanding answers and solutions to curb the rising tide of gun violence.

In the Wake of Violence

This shooting adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of crime in Chicago. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for community outreach programs, preventive measures, and grassroots efforts aimed at reducing violence. Organizations and local leaders are continuously urged to collaborate with law enforcement to foster a safer environment for all residents.

This tragic event resonates deeply within the community and raises important discussions about safety, prevention, and the role of both law enforcement and residents in combating crime. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on healing and finding ways to ensure that neighborhoods like Morgan Park become places of safety rather than scenes of violence.

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Assistance Needed: Help Identify Suspect in Burglary Case | Community Update

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January 14, 2026

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Assistance Needed: Help Identify Suspect in Burglary Case | Community Update

Reference Case: 26-001223

In a troubling ongoing investigation, authorities in Chattanooga are seeking public assistance to locate a suspect who has allegedly engaged in multiple burglaries across the area. Sgt. Victor Miller of the Chattanooga Police emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “A lot of times we use Crime Stoppers to try to find the identity of a suspect, but in this case, we’re asking for the location because the suspect is continuing to do the same thing, over and over.”

The suspect, identified as Damon Payne, found himself in hot water on January 5th. Surveillance footage from Street Cuts on Rossville Boulevard vividly captures his actions, showcasing him attempting to flee the store with two stolen items valued at over $3,000. “You’ll see him pick up a couple of items and try to get out to the vehicle as quickly as he can,” noted Sgt. Miller, illuminating the brazen nature of the theft.

However, this incident represents merely a small fragment of Payne’s alleged criminal activities. Investigators have linked him to a string of burglaries targeting various businesses and residences. “He has multiple active warrants for past incidents and also, he’s on probation,” Miller explained. The suspect’s history of probation violations stretches across Hamilton County and beyond, raising alarm among law enforcement.

As of now, there are over ten active charges against Damon Payne, who is 40 years old, standing 5’10” and weighing approximately 195 pounds. He is described as bald with blue eyes. Investigators emphasize the importance of being vigilant regarding Payne’s vehicle. “Take a good look at the suspect vehicle,” added Sgt. Miller. The car, identified as a Nissan Altima, is particularly recognizable due to its mismatched body panels painted in various colors, making it stand out wherever it may be spotted.

Remarkably, investigators are aware of Payne’s identity; their challenge lies in uncovering his whereabouts. Authorities are soliciting tips from the public, particularly from individuals who may know Payne personally or have insights into his location. “He may stay in the Rossville Boulevard area, he may stay in North Georgia,” said Miller. “If you know who he is, even if he is a friend or a family member, and you know where he’s located, where he stays, where he’s sleeping, where he’s hiding out from law enforcement, call in and provide the information. He’ll never know that you called.”

For those who prefer anonymity, the Crime Stoppers hotline remains a secure option. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out via phone at 423-698-3333. There is also an online platform that ensures confidentiality; a link to the Crime Stoppers website can be found here. Furthermore, the P3 Tips app offers a modern solution for sharing information directly with investigators in real-time, available on both Apple and Android devices. The anonymity of the tips is guaranteed, ensuring that those providing information can feel secure in doing so.

Reference Case: 26-001223

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