The United Kingdom has stopped sharing intelligence with the United States regarding ships suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, citing concerns that it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes, which London believes may be illegal, sources told CNN.
The decision marks a significant break with the UK’s closest ally and highlights skepticism over the legality of the US military campaign in Latin America.
For years, the UK has helped the US locate ships transporting drugs so that the Coast Guard could intercept them, arrest the crew, and seize the narcotics. Intelligence was typically sent to the Southern Interagency Joint Task Force in Florida, which includes representatives from multiple partner countries and works to reduce illicit drug trafficking.
However, shortly after the US began lethal strikes in September, British officials grew concerned that their intelligence could be used to select targets. British authorities believe the US strikes, which have killed 76 people, violate international law.
The suspension of intelligence sharing began over a month ago.
