ISTANBUL 

France’s foreign minister has criticized ongoing US-led military operations in the Caribbean, warning they could heighten tensions in an already fragile region as G7 foreign ministers gathered in southern Ontario.

Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday it was vital to prevent “instability caused by potential escalations,” following warnings from Venezuela that recent US deployments risk triggering open conflict, France 24 reported.

“We have observed, with concern, military operations in the Caribbean region because they disregard international law,” Barrot told reporters at the opening of the talks near Niagara Falls.

Barrot stressed that the G7 nations must “work in concert” to combat narcotics trafficking while safeguarding regional stability, adding that more than a million French citizens living in Caribbean territories could be directly affected by any unrest.

Trump has for months been expanding US military operations across Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones. The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier is reportedly heading to the Caribbean as part of this buildup.

Recent months have also seen the US military destroy several Venezuelan fishing boats allegedly carrying drugs, though no public evidence was provided. Trump has also threatened action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of involvement in drug trafficking.