Canada Monitors U.S. Strikes in Caribbean Amid Growing Concerns

The Canadian government is actively monitoring recent American military strikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, while maintaining its own operations in the region. Since 2006, Canada has participated in Operation Caribbe, an anti-drug trafficking mission in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard. The Department of National Defence (DND) has clarified that Canada’s involvement does not extend to the U.S. Air Force operations, which have resulted in numerous fatalities.

DND spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown stated, “The U.S.’s actions are unilateral and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) does not participate.” He emphasized that Canada continues to observe the situation closely. The government has confirmed there are no immediate changes planned for Operation Caribbe, but it is “continuously reviewing operational engagements to ensure they remain consistent with Canada’s legal obligations and strategic interests.”

Since September, U.S. strikes have reportedly killed at least 87 individuals in nearly two dozen operations. This escalation marks a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding drug trafficking, moving away from traditional methods of intercepting and arresting suspects at sea to using lethal force.

Canada’s Position and International Reactions

The evolving circumstances have put Canada and its allies, including the United Kingdom and Colombia, in a challenging position. According to Rob Huebert, director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary, the Canadian government is exercising caution to avoid entanglement in illegal actions while also striving to uphold its working relationship with the U.S.

Huebert remarked, “I think the Canadian government is quite rightly being very cautious on its activities to ensure Canadians are not caught up in any kind of illegal activities, but at the same token trying to maintain this working relationship we have.” The United Kingdom suspended intelligence-sharing with the U.S. in the region in November, while Colombia has taken similar steps. France has condemned the use of force at G7 meetings, yet Canadian officials have remained silent on the issue.

The U.S. administration is under pressure domestically, with some Republican lawmakers demanding the release of footage related to a controversial second strike on a vessel off Venezuela on September 2, 2025. While Canada maintains its partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, Huebert pointed out that the distinction may be tenuous, as both agencies fall under the umbrella of the U.S. military.

Implications for Canada’s Anti-Drug Efforts

The ongoing lethal operations complicate Canada’s position regarding Operation Caribbe, which has successfully disrupted and seized over 123 metric tonnes of cocaine since its inception. Huebert highlighted the dilemma facing Canadian officials: continuing with the operation despite an unpredictable U.S. partnership or halting the mission, which could have severe repercussions for Canada’s ongoing struggle with drug-related issues.

He noted, “If we walk away from it, obviously the Americans aren’t going to be doing anything to help us in terms of stopping the drugs that are entering Canada. They are a very vindictive administration.”

National Defence Minister David McGuinty must navigate these complexities, ensuring that Canada’s actions remain legal and ethical while managing the strategic consequences of its collaboration with the U.S. Huebert concluded, “There isn’t a good solution,” underscoring the challenging dynamics at play.

As Canada continues to assess its role and responsibilities in the Caribbean, the implications of U.S. military policy will remain a critical concern for both government officials and citizens alike.