Rubio Denies Report UK Halted Intel Sharing Over Boat Strikes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday denied a report claiming the United Kingdom had stopped sharing intelligence with Washington over alleged U.S. strikes on drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela.

Marco Rubio, speaking in Hamilton, Ontario after a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, said the report was “false” and that no disruption in intelligence cooperation had taken place. He added that the issue was not raised by the UK during the discussions and that nothing had changed in the U.S.–UK security relationship.

The claim surfaced after a media report suggested the UK had paused intelligence sharing in response to U.S. actions against suspected narcotics-smuggling vessels operating in Caribbean waters close to Venezuela. The report said British officials were concerned about the nature and location of the strikes.

• Rubio Rejects Report Claiming UK Halted Intelligence Sharing Over Boat Strikes
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Rubio dismissed the account, saying the partnership between the two countries remained intact. He declined to discuss operational details or intelligence procedures but stressed that the allegation did not reflect the current state of cooperation.

The UK government has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

The episode highlights ongoing sensitivities around maritime operations in the Caribbean, where several countries monitor drug-smuggling routes. It also underscores the importance both governments place on maintaining steady intelligence ties, especially amid regional instability.

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Rubio reiterated that the United States continues to work closely with allies and that no actions taken by Washington have affected its ability to coordinate with the UK on security matters.