Britain suspends intelligence sharing with the US over strikes on boats in the Caribbean
United Kingdom partially suspended intelligence sharing with the United States, reports CNN, citing senior officials from both countries.
The decision was made after a series of lethal US strikes on boats in the Caribbean, who were allegedly transporting drugs. As a result of operations conducted since September, at least 76 people were killed.
«British officials have concluded that the US actions may violate international law and suspended the transfer of intelligence related to these operations about a month ago,» CNN reports.
An unprecedented step
This is the first time in decades that London restricts intelligence sharing with Washington - a country with which it is in an alliance“Five Eyes” (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
According to the sources, British lawyers believe, that the US military violated the principle of proportionality during the destruction of the boats, as “not all of them posed an immediate threat”.
US reaction
Pentagon officials said that All strikes were carried out within the framework of lawful anti-drug operations.
Official Washington does not comment on the details, but calls the allegations “misunderstandings in the interpretation of international law”.
The US media point out that Britain's decision caused serious concern in the US intelligence community, who consider this move a “dangerous precedent”.
Ukrainian
English