The US counter-narcotics operations have reportedly caused the UK to pause some intelligence sharing with the US over recent Caribbean boat strikes. This was over fears that the US administration’s policy on lethal military strikes against suspected smugglers could be considered illegal. This move comes in the wake of the US destroying multiple alleged drug boats in recent months, killing dozens of people, and being part of a broader military build-up in that region.
Two spokespersons who were familiar with this scenario shared that the UK had stopped sharing certain intelligence with the US due to rising concerns that Washington would use that information to help justify potentially illegal strikes.
The Royal Navy maintains a permanent presence in the region, supporting British Overseas Territories such as Montserrat & Anguilla. Last year, one of the Royal Navy’s patrol ships – HMS Trent – had helped in seizing nearly US$1bn worth of narcotics.
Usually, the UK tends to share intelligence with the US Coast Guard to help coordinate seizures. However, this move to hold back some intelligence may illustrate the uneasiness from one of the US’s closest allies over the Trump administration’s newly aggressive strategy; news of this pause was first reported by CNN.
A UK government spokesperson believed that the UK had a long-standing position not to comment on intelligence matters but emphasised that the UK maintained an extensive intelligence-sharing relationship with the US, including through the 5 Eyes partnership. The US is the UK’s closest ally in security & intelligence, so both countries continue to work in partnership to uphold global peace & security and defend freedom of navigation, besides responding to emerging threats.
Responding to a media query, a US defence department official said that the US doesn’t discuss intelligence matters. As such, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not respond to the request for comment.
