Latest update March 2nd, 2026 12:30 AM
CARICOM to ascertain facts of U.S. Caribbean strikes
…says any action must be in accordance with international law
(Kaieteur News) – Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, on Friday said the regional bloc requires more time to ascertain the facts before issuing a full response on the United States military action in the Caribbean Sea.
He made the comments during the closing media conference of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Basseterre. Asked whether CARICOM supported or endorsed the United States military action targeting alleged drug smugglers in the region, the Chair indicated that the matter is still under review. However, Dr. Drew said, “CARICOM stand on principle to make sure that anything that is done, this or anything, has to follow a particular international law.”
The Heads of State and Heads of Government of CARICOM met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.
He maintained that CARICOM’s position is grounded in adherence to international law and due process, noting that investigations are ongoing in member states to gather the facts. “So, getting all of that information, it would ensure that the response given can be a complete and comprehensive response with respect to that,” he said.
CARICOM Chair added, “I would say that CARICOM, by principle, respects laws and all international laws. And for a more complete [response]…St. Lucia and other countries…have been going through the various investigations, gathering of information to give a more complete and succinct conversation with respect to the matter.”
Just ahead of the CARICOM heads meeting, the U.S. military’s Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced another strike in the Caribbean Sea, stating that it targeted a vessel involved in narcotics trafficking. Footage released on February 23 showed a small boat exploding after being struck.
SOUTHCOM in a statement said that intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three men were killed. No U.S. military personnel were reported injured. This latest incident adds to a series of similar strikes that began last year, pushing the reported death toll to about 150.
On February 25, CARICOM heads met on with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting with the CARICOM members states and associated members, Secretary Rubio underscored the United States’ enduring partnership with the Caribbean and reaffirmed our shared commitment to regional security cooperation.
“We believe that perhaps the most urgent security threat in the region – that includes us, but obviously all of you – is the threat of these transnational criminal organisations, many of you – many of whom have funding and power that rival if not exceed that of many of the nation-states that they threaten,” he said.
Rubio pointed to narcotrafficking and other illicit means as fueling the criminal organisations. “Oftentimes, those drugs and the proceeds from those drugs – those drugs are destined for the United States, but the proceeds from those drugs, the money they’re ultimately making, is being made in the streets of our country. This is a danger in the countries that they transit, and it’s ultimately a danger to the national security of the United States,” he added.
Secretary Rubio outlined CARICOM’s long history of working together on responding to challenges, but noted that the cooperation and commitment will have to grow even deeper as criminal groups grow stronger.
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