France and Allies Condemn U.S. Military Operations in the Caribbean
- Olga Nesterova
- 53 minutes ago
- 2 min read
France has joined a growing number of U.S. allies expressing alarm over American military operations in the Caribbean, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Canada, said Paris is “deeply concerned” about U.S. actions near South and Central America.
“We have observed with concern the military operations in the Caribbean region, because they violate international law and because France has a presence in this region through its overseas territories, where more than a million of our compatriots reside,” Barrot said Tuesday.
France maintains overseas departments in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana, giving it direct territorial and civilian stakes in the region.
Allied Intelligence Cooperation Fractures
The controversy follows weeks of U.S. strikes on what the Trump administration describes as “drug-trafficking vessels.” The Pentagon has confirmed that the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier strike group recently arrived in the Caribbean Sea as part of what officials call a “counter-narcotics surge.” But several key partners are now breaking ranks.
According to reports from CNN and The Guardian, the United Kingdom has decided to suspend portions of its intelligence-sharing with Washington over the legality of the operations. Sources told CNN that British officials believe the U.S. strikes “violate international law” and risk inflaming regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Colombia—one of Washington’s closest security allies in Latin America—announced it will suspend all intelligence-sharing with the United States, citing the strikes as a breach of sovereignty and a threat to stability across the hemisphere.
Venezuela Mobilizes as Tensions Escalate
In Caracas, the Venezuelan government announced a “massive mobilization” of troops, aircraft, and naval assets in response to the American buildup.Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said joint land, air, and naval exercises would begin immediately to counter what he described as the “imperialist threat” posed by U.S. forces.
U.S. officials insist the operations are strictly aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking routes. However, Venezuelan authorities argue that the campaign is a cover for regime-change efforts targeting President Nicolás Maduro.
A Flashpoint in the Making
The unfolding crisis has turned the Caribbean Basin—traditionally a zone of trade and tourism—into a new geopolitical flashpoint. With France, the U.K., and Colombia all signaling disapproval, and Venezuela mobilizing militarily, the U.S. now faces mounting international pressure to justify its operations under international law.
As of Wednesday evening, the White House and Pentagon had not responded publicly to France’s remarks or the latest allied suspensions.
