Mon Nov 24 08:55:27 UTC 2025: ## US Poised to Designate Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” as Terrorist Group, Raising Fears of Military Intervention
Washington, D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly planning to designate Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on Monday, a move that analysts fear could pave the way for expanded US operations, potentially including military action, against President Nicolas Maduro.
While the term “Cartel de los Soles” is a common reference to corrupt Venezuelan military officers and officials involved in illegal activities, rather than a formal cartel, the designation would provide legal justification for further intervention in the region.
The announcement comes amidst a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, raising concerns about a potential strike on Venezuelan territory. Such action would represent a major escalation of the ongoing US campaign against the Maduro regime, which has already seen controversial strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking, resulting in numerous deaths.
UN officials and international law scholars have previously condemned these strikes as violations of US and international law, labeling them as extrajudicial executions.
Unnamed US officials have told Reuters that a new phase of operations is planned in the coming days, though the exact timing and scope remain unclear. Covert operations are reportedly being considered as a first step, with options including an attempt to overthrow Maduro.
The term “Cartel de los Soles” originated in the 1990s to describe high-ranking military officers enriched by drug trafficking. Its use has since expanded to encompass a broader range of corruption involving police and government officials, as well as illegal mining and fuel trafficking.
Meanwhile, fears of escalating military activity are impacting commercial aviation. Six airlines, including Iberia, TAP, LATAM, Avianca, GOL, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Venezuela following warnings from US aviation regulators about potential dangers.
President Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, maintains that the US is seeking to topple him and that Venezuelans will resist any such attempts. The US has not yet officially commented.
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