Quibbling over the semantics of ‘double-tap’ doesn’t change the reality that the strike was a summary execution of men clinging to the remains of a boat. This statement, made in the recent controversy surrounding the Department of War’s response to a deadly boat attack, highlights a disturbing trend in how we view and justify acts of violence. The idea that playing with words can somehow erase or justify the loss of innocent lives is both dangerous and unacceptable.
On September 12, 2021, a boat filled with refugees trying to escape war-torn Yemen was hit with an initial airstrike from the Saudi-led coalition, causing it to capsize. Around half an hour later, a second strike hit the same boat, killing at least 40 people and injuring many more. The issue at hand is whether this second strike was intentional, as the Department of War claims, or an accidental “double-tap” as some have argued.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a “double-tap” is a military tactic in which two strikes are made in quick succession on the same target. It is often used in situations where there may be multiple targets or when a single strike may not be enough to completely destroy the intended target. However, in this case, it is being used to justify the killing of innocent civilians.
The Department of War has been quick to assert that the second strike was a “double-tap” and not a deliberate attack on survivors. They argue that the initial strike caused the boat to capsize, making it difficult for pilots to determine who was still alive and who was not. This justification, however, ignores the fact that the second strike hit the same area of the boat where survivors were clinging for their lives.
By calling it a “double-tap”, the Department of War is downplaying the gravity of the situation. It implies that the second strike was simply a part of their military strategy, rather than a deliberate and unacceptable act of violence against civilians. It is an attempt to shift the blame and responsibility away from those who made the decision to launch the second strike, and onto the victims themselves.
But no matter what we call it – a “double-tap” or a deliberate attack – the fact remains that innocent lives were lost. We cannot allow ourselves to diminish or justify this loss through wordplay. These were real people, trying to escape a war-torn country and seeking safety and refuge. They had hopes and dreams, just like any of us. And in an instant, they were gone, their lives taken by the very people who were supposed to protect them.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the Department of War has also been accused of attempting to cover up the attack. They delayed acknowledging the strike and even went so far as to dispute the reports of civilian deaths. This only adds to the distrust and suspicion surrounding this incident. It is a reminder that in times of war, the truth is often the first casualty.
The Department of War’s response to this attack is not only concerning but also dangerous. By refusing to take responsibility for their actions and downplaying the loss of innocent lives, they are perpetuating a culture of violence and disregard for human rights. It sends a message that it is acceptable to use military tactics on civilian populations, and that those responsible will not be held accountable.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our government and military accountable for their actions. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these atrocities, or allow our leaders to hide behind semantics and excuses. We must demand transparency and justice for the victims of this attack and all other innocent lives lost in acts of violence.
In conclusion, quibbling over the semantics of “double-tap” does not change the reality of what happened. The strike on the boat was a deliberate act of violence against innocent civilians, and no amount of wordplay can change that. It is time for the Department of War to take responsibility for their actions and for us as a society to demand accountability and justice for the victims. Let us not forget the lives lost in this tragic event and work towards a future where war and violence are no longer the norm.
