The United Kingdom has reportedly ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, citing concerns over the legality of US military strikes. According to CNN, the UK government has decided to withhold this information to avoid complicity in what it deems illegal actions. Since September, US strikes on these vessels have resulted in at least 70 fatalities. The UK, which controls several Caribbean territories, previously assisted the US in identifying suspect vessels for interception by the US Coast Guard. However, the UK has now stopped this cooperation, fearing that its intelligence might be used to target boats for lethal strikes. British officials believe these strikes violate international law, a view echoed by the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, who labeled them as “extrajudicial killings.” The UK’s decision marks a significant departure from its closest ally and intelligence-sharing partner, reflecting growing skepticism over the US campaign’s legality. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the policy, refusing to allow its intelligence to be used for targeting strikes. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has similarly suspended intelligence sharing with US agencies until the attacks cease. The Trump administration defends the strikes, arguing they are legal under the Law of Armed Conflict, but this stance has been challenged by international law experts and senior US defense officials, including Admiral Alvin Holsey, who questioned the strikes’ legality and offered to resign.
UK halts some intelligence sharing with US over Caribbean drug boat strikes
