Netherlands pulls out of US Caribbean drug missions amid Venezuela tensions

Source: Politico (EU)

January 6, 2026 4:07 pm CET


The Netherlands has pulled out of U.S.-led counter-drug missions in the Caribbean, a reaction to the rising death toll from American military attacks on vessels suspected of being used to smuggle narcotics.

Speaking Monday evening in Aruba, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said Dutch forces would continue drug interdiction within Dutch territorial waters, but would not take part in U.S. operations on the high seas linked to Operation Southern Spear.

The operation, launched in September, has killed more than 100 people in over 20 attacks on boats that the U.S. says were ferrying drugs. “We have worked together with the Americans on counter-narcotics for many years, but in a different way,” Brekelmans said. “When we see drug smuggling, we try to arrest and prosecute those responsible. Not by shooting ships.”

The move was first reported by the Dutch daily Trouw. The decision marks a break with past practice.

Read more: https://www.politico.eu/article/netherlands-pulls-out-us-caribbean-drug-missions-amid-venezuela-tensions/