UK Suspends Intelligence Sharing with US Amid Concerns Over Caribbean Boat Strikes
LONDON – The United Kingdom has partially suspended intelligence sharing with the United States in response to recent U.S. military strikes targeting suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea, CNN has learned. The move marks a meaningful break in security cooperation between the two close allies and underscores growing international concern over the legality and proportionality of the operations.
the decision, prompted by anxieties within the UK government regarding potential legal ramifications and the risk of contributing to unlawful actions, impacts the flow of intelligence related to counter-narcotics efforts.It comes as scrutiny intensifies over the U.S. military’s tactics and as other key allies, including Canada, have also begun to distance themselves from the strikes. The suspension raises questions about the future of joint counter-drug operations and the broader implications for transatlantic security collaboration.
sources familiar with the matter confirmed that lawyers within the UK government raised concerns about the strikes’ adherence to international law. These concerns mirror those expressed by lawyers within the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of General Counsel,who have also questioned the legality of the operations,CNN previously reported. Multiple current and former uniformed U.S. lawyers have stated the strikes do not appear lawful, a claim previously denied by a spokesperson for Adm. Craig Faller, who will leave his post as SOUTHCOM chief in December, just one year into his tenure.
Canada, a long-standing partner with the U.S. Coast Guard in Caribbean interdiction efforts through Operation Caribbean, has similarly clarified its position.While continuing its collaboration with the Coast Guard, Canada has informed the U.S.that it does not want its intelligence used to target boats for the deadly strikes,sources saeid.
A spokesperson for Canada’s defense ministry told Canadian press last month that Canadian Armed Forces activities under Operation Caribbean, conducted in coordination with the U.S.Coast Guard,are “seperate and distinct” from the U.S. military strikes.
