To the MSM, “decimated” is a word with emotional impact. It suggests devastation. It carries a wallop. It’s like removing 90%.
Decimate means removal of one tenth. That’s not that much.
The headline is a stupid headline from a stupid author or editor. If anyone at MSN knew better, they were probably assured that readers are too stupid to notice.
The dictionary definition also relies on people having no knowledge or not valuing precision. Definitions for dummies.
The Roman Legions practiced decimation.
If a unit was cowardly or didn’t fight well - they would kill every tenth man.
When we say we completely decimated Iran’s navy- that means we
destroyed 10%.