The United States seems to be using the same logic as Uncle Jimbo in South Park did when he hunted animals: "it's coming right for us!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaazFYTrQ_A

When you direct it at humans, it's called murder. When you do it at sea, it can be called piracy.

But as long as you leave no survivors, who is going to dispute whatever story you want to spin about the people you are killing.