The U.S. government is closely monitoring deadly strikes carried out by American forces on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean while continuing operations in the area. Canada has been involved in Operation Caribbe, an anti-drug trafficking initiative in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard, since 2006. The Department of National Defence clarified that the U.S. strikes are independent actions that the Canadian Armed Forces do not participate in, emphasizing that Canada is observing the situation attentively.
According to the DND, there are no immediate alterations planned for Operation Caribbe, but ongoing assessments are being conducted to ensure alignment with Canada’s legal commitments and strategic objectives. Nearly two dozen U.S. strikes in the Caribbean have resulted in the deaths of at least 87 individuals, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. policy toward drug trafficking in the region, moving away from intercepting and apprehending suspected traffickers at sea for prosecution in the U.S.
Rob Huebert, from the Centre For Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary, noted the challenging position that Canada and its allies find themselves in due to the new U.S. approach. While the United Kingdom and Colombia have suspended intelligence-sharing with the U.S. in the region, France has criticized the use of force at G7 meetings. Canada’s stance on the matter remains undisclosed.
Despite maintaining the U.S. Coast Guard as its regional partner, not the U.S. Navy responsible for the strikes, Canada is facing a delicate situation as both entities collaborate in Operation Martillo, a U.S.-led anti-drug-trafficking effort in the Caribbean. The decision-making process behind the strikes has raised legal concerns, with Democratic lawmakers questioning their legitimacy.
Huebert highlighted the dilemma confronting Canada: continue with Operation Caribbe alongside an unpredictable partner or terminate the long-standing mission and deal with the repercussions. Ending the mission, which has intercepted over 123 metric tonnes of cocaine since 2006, could have significant political and practical implications for Canada, a nation already grappling with a rising cocaine issue.
In response to the challenges, Huebert emphasized that National Defence Minister David McGuinty must affirm Canada’s commitment to lawful actions and strive to shield the Canadian Armed Forces from any entanglement in illicit activities. The complexity of the situation leaves no easy solutions, as Canada navigates its relationship with the U.S. administration amid evolving circumstances.