A senior French minister has launched a stinging critique of recent US military actions in the Caribbean, labelling them a direct contravention of international law. The comments from Jean-Noël Barrot came during a gathering of G7 foreign ministers in Canada, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced pointed questions from his counterparts.
G7 Meeting Overshadowed by Caribbean Tensions
The diplomatic session, hosted by Canada near Niagara Falls, was intended to focus on critical global issues including support for Ukraine, a peace plan for Gaza, and the conflict in Sudan. However, the legality of US strikes against suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean dominated discussions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed profound concern, stating the operations could fuel regional instability.
"We have observed with concern military operations in the Caribbean region because they disregard international law," Barrot told reporters. He emphasised France's direct interest in the area, noting, "more than a million of our compatriots reside" in French overseas territories there, who could be affected by any escalation.
UK Cuts Intelligence Ties as Civilian Deaths Mount
The French condemnation was followed by the revelation that the United Kingdom has taken concrete action in response to the US operations. According to reports, the UK has suspended its intelligence-sharing arrangement with the US in the Caribbean. The move is reportedly due to fears that Britain could be implicated in the attacks and find itself criminally liable.
The scale of the US military campaign is significant. Since the start of September, the US has carried out at least 19 strikes in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coasts of Latin America. These attacks have resulted in a substantial death toll, with at least 75 people reportedly killed. The Trump administration justifies the strikes by accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of being a 'narco-terrorist' with links to drug cartels.
Legal Experts and Military Escalation Raise Stakes
International legal authorities are increasingly alarmed. Oona A Hathaway, a Professor of International Law at Yale Law School, recently stated that those conducting the attacks are in an impossible position. "If they refuse, they disobey orders. If they do it, they are violating international law and domestic law. Dropping bombs on people when you do not know who they are is a breach of law," she asserted.
Meanwhile, the military presence in the region has intensified dramatically. The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has now entered an area under the control of the US Naval Forces Southern Command, which encompasses Latin America and the Caribbean. This deployment signals a significant escalation, with President Maduro accusing the Trump administration of fabricating a war as a pretext for regime change.
While the US Vice President, JD Vance, has previously dismissed criticism of the attacks, the combined pressure from key allies and legal experts presents a formidable challenge to US policy in the region.
