France Slams US Boat Strikes in Caribbean as Violating International Law

France’s foreign affairs minister has criticized the United States for conducting deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean, stating that these actions violate international law. Jean-Noël Barrot made these remarks at the G7 summit of foreign ministers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The U.S. military has carried out 19 strikes against suspected drug vessels, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals. The U.S. has targeted these vessels as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, particularly in relation to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and alleged links to drug cartels. Barrot expressed concern over the impact of these military operations on the stability of the region, highlighting France’s presence and interest in the Caribbean due to its overseas territories and resident population. The comments by Barrot were accompanied by a report suggesting that Britain had suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S. over concerns about the boat strikes. Despite these concerns raised by international allies, U.S. officials have defended the operations, citing national security imperatives and the need to combat drug trafficking. The controversial nature of these strikes has drawn criticism from various quarters, with calls for a reevaluation of the approach taken by the U.S. in the region.