A number of European governments have expressed concerns over the growing US military pressure on Venezuela, warning that Washington’s latest naval operations in the Caribbean could heighten instability in Latin America.
The alarm comes as the United States deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and multiple warships into the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility – a large zone encompassing the Caribbean Sea and Latin America. US officials say the mission targets drug-trafficking networks that allegedly move narcotics into American territory through Venezuela and other regional routes.
Within days, Venezuela launched a larger-than-usual military exercise in waters that it claims are its own.
G7 Nations Signal Unease Over US Moves
Privately and publicly, European diplomats have signaled concern during a G7 and partner-nation foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada this week that the US approach risks raising tensions, and could prompt an unintended confrontation in the region.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has asserted that this continuous US naval activity in the Caribbean “violates international law”, adding that France is watching “with concern.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed those concerns.
“Nobody has any interest in further crises arising,” he said to reporters. “Venezuela must also show restraint.”
Diplomats are concerned that both Washington and Caracas may raise rhetoric or military signaling across relations that are already tense.
UK reportedly stops sharing intelligence with US
CNN, citing several sources, reported that the United Kingdom has suspended intelligence sharing with the United States regarding suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean. This is said to be a way for Britain to stay out of any possible US military strikes.
British officials have not spoken publicly, but the move reflects the concern some Western allies have about mission expansion and the legality of US actions.
US Pushes Back Against European Criticism
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the concerns posed by the European nations.
“I don’t think the European Union gets to determine what international law is,” he said. “And they certainly don’t get to determine how the US defends its national security.”
Rubio also denied the CNN report about Britain halting intelligence cooperation, but he gave no details in dismissing the story as a “fake story.”
Washington has defended its operations, describing the naval deployment as targeting transnational crime, not Venezuela’s political leadership. Critics have said it places additional pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro and risks the militarization of a political dispute.
US Military Presence Boost Raises Political Questions
Its deployment represents one of the biggest U.S. naval displays of force in the Caribbean in years. President Donald Trump expanded anti-drug maritime operations in the region, a move critics at the time said is politically motivated and connected to efforts to isolate Venezuela’s government.
Caracas argues that Washington uses counter-narco operations as an excuse to justify coercion with the aim of destabilizing its government.
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