UK Suspends Intelligence Sharing with US Over Illegal Bombing of Vessels

On November 11, 2025, the United Kingdom announced a suspension of certain intelligence-sharing activities with the United States. This decision stems from concerns regarding the legality of U.S. military operations targeting narcotrafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea, which British authorities deem illegal. The UK’s decision reflects its desire to avoid complicity in these military strikes, which have reportedly resulted in significant loss of life.

Key Details

The intelligence-sharing suspension began over a month ago, following a series of U.S. military strikes that commenced in September 2025. These operations were aimed at vessels suspected of engaging in narcotrafficking activities. The UK has historically played a supportive role in these efforts, utilizing its intelligence assets stationed in various Caribbean territories to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in locating and interdicting drug-laden vessels.

British intelligence has been directed to the Joint Interagency Task Force South, a collaborative effort based in Florida that includes representatives from multiple partner nations. This task force is dedicated to combating the illicit drug trade in the region. However, British officials have expressed serious concerns that the intelligence they provided could be used by the U.S. to select targets for military strikes, which they believe violate international law.

Reports indicate that the U.S. military strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 76 individuals, raising alarms among British officials regarding the ethical and legal implications of their involvement. The UK’s intelligence-sharing activities have been crucial in enabling the U.S. Coast Guard to stop, board, and detain crews of suspected vessels while seizing illegal drugs. However, the recent escalation of military action has prompted a reevaluation of this collaboration.

Background

The UK maintains control over several territories in the Caribbean, where it has established intelligence-gathering operations aimed at combating drug trafficking. The collaboration with the U.S. has been a longstanding aspect of international efforts to address narcotics smuggling, particularly in regions where both nations have vested interests. The Joint Interagency Task Force South has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, bringing together resources and intelligence from various countries to tackle the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking networks.

The recent military actions by the U.S. have sparked a broader debate about the legality and morality of such operations, particularly in light of the casualties involved. The UK’s decision to suspend intelligence sharing highlights the potential rift in cooperation between the two allies over military strategies and adherence to international law.

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What"s Next

The suspension of intelligence sharing could have significant implications for U.S. operations in the Caribbean. Without the UK"s intelligence support, the U.S. may face challenges in effectively targeting narcotrafficking vessels, potentially allowing drug trafficking activities to continue unimpeded. This development may also lead to further diplomatic discussions between the UK and the U.S. regarding the conduct of military operations and adherence to international legal standards.

As previously reported, the situation in the Caribbean remains fluid, with ongoing concerns about narcotrafficking and the potential for increased military presence in the region. For further insights into related developments, see our coverage on the USS Ford aircraft carrier strike group arriving in the Caribbean.