UK pauses intelligence-sharing with US on suspected drug vessels in Caribbean
10 days ago
- #US-UK relations
- #international law
- #drug trafficking
- Britain suspends intelligence sharing with the US on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean due to concerns over lethal military strikes.
- The UK does not support the Trump administration's practice of sinking boats allegedly used by drug traffickers, considering it illegal.
- British intelligence-sharing on drug-related shipping paused after the US began lethal strikes in September.
- An estimated 76 people killed in 19 US attacks on small boats allegedly involved in narco-trafficking.
- US claims drug smugglers can be legally killed as combatants in an 'armed conflict' with the US.
- UK legal concerns prevent intelligence or military assistance if information might be used in operations violating international law.
- Strains in US-UK intelligence relationship under Trump administration, including FBI-MI5 tensions over a surveillance officer's job.
- US military buildup in the Caribbean includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier amid tensions with Venezuela.
- UK faces dilemma as a Royal Navy officer serves on the USS Winston Churchill, part of the US strike group.
- Legal analysts warn US attacks on boats are extrajudicial killings and any unprovoked attack on Venezuela violates international law.
- UK involvement in supporting US strikes could have legal implications, including potential violations of international law.