Mon Nov 24 15:31:59 UTC 2025: News Article:

US Designates “Cartel de los Soles” as Terrorist Organization, Raising Concerns About Military Intervention in Venezuela

Washington D.C. – The United States government has designated the “Cartel de los Soles,” a term used in Venezuela to describe corrupt officials, as a “foreign terrorist organization.” The State Department alleges the cartel, purportedly overseen by President Nicolas Maduro, is responsible for widespread drug trafficking.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the designation provides the U.S. with “new options” regarding Venezuela, reiterating the U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader. The designation criminalizes support for the group, bars its members from entering the U.S., and authorizes financial penalties, including asset freezes.

Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move as a “ridiculous lie” aimed at justifying future military intervention.

While the U.S. has sanctioned the Cartel de los Soles in the past, this new designation significantly expands Washington’s power. Experts suggest the FTO designation strengthens the political and legal justification for potential US military action in Venezuela, framing it as a counter-narcotics effort linked to regime change.

Critics point out that neither the Drug Enforcement Administration nor the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have formally described the “Cartel de los Soles” as a drug trafficking organization in official reports. This has led some observers to believe that the U.S. action is primarily motivated by the Trump administration’s desire to remove Maduro from power.

President Trump has repeatedly stated that “all options are on the table” regarding Venezuela. He also alluded to potential discussions with Maduro, however, he provided no additional information.

Recently, a large military deployment, including the nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Gerald R Ford, has been sent to the Caribbean Sea, further escalating tensions.

This latest move comes amid a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, characterized by accusations of fraud, economic sanctions, and previous military strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels.

Read More