The UK has stopped sharing intelligence with the US for its campaign against suspected drug-trafficking ships in the Caribbean, citing concerns that Washington could use British data to target vessels in violation of international law, CNN reported.
Marking a shift in intelligence sharing with the US, which had previously relied on the UK to track suspected drug vessels through Joint Interagency Task Force South in Florida, the pause comes after recent escalations.
Since September, the US has carried out more than 15 strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths.
Washington stated that its operations comply with the Law of Armed Conflict and have denied any suspension of intelligence sharing, according to Reuters.
CNN noted that London’s move reflects growing international legal and ethical concerns over the US military’s reliance on lethal force rather than traditional law enforcement.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the US to halt attacks and “take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them.”
Senior US officials have also reportedly raised doubts about Washington’s military operations across Latin America.
Rising Tensions
Tensions in the Caribbean are rising as Washington expands its military presence in the region.
Earlier this month, a US aircraft carrier strike group, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived in Latin American waters, prompting Venezuela to accuse Washington of “fabricating a war.”
The US also conducted flights near Venezuelan airspace using B‑1B and B‑52 bombers and stationed 10 F‑35 stealth fighters in Puerto Rico.
In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly sought military assistance from Russia.
