The United States has taken a major step by officially labeling the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This announcement was made on Monday and has increased tensions between Washington and Caracas. According to US officials, the group includes Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking figures in the country. The US says the organization has played a role in importing illegal drugs into the United States.
Because of this terrorist designation, the US can now apply additional terrorism-related sanctions. These sanctions make it more difficult for anyone linked to the group to move money, travel, or work with international partners. The label also strengthens the US legal ability to act against those who are believed to support the group.
However, Venezuela’s government strongly rejected the US move. Officials called the decision “ridiculous” and insisted that the Cartel de los Soles is a “non-existent” group. They argued that the United States is trying to create false claims to increase political pressure on the country.
The announcement follows a statement made earlier this month by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that the US would list the group as a foreign terrorist organization because of its alleged involvement in drug shipments entering the United States.
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The move also comes during rising concerns over President Trump’s significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, which has led to fears that the new terrorist label might be used to justify stronger or more direct actions against Venezuela.
Why the Group Was Targeted
The term “Cartel de los Soles” has been used by US officials for years. It refers to a network that the US believes includes military and government members in Venezuela who help move illegal drugs. According to Washington, this network protects smuggling routes and uses official positions for criminal activity. The US claims that President Nicolás Maduro and several other senior officials are linked to this structure.
By placing the group on the foreign terrorist organization list, the United States can treat it under the same rules used for groups involved in acts of terror. Any assets linked to the group can be blocked, and it becomes illegal for anyone in the US to provide support to it.
The United States argues that illegal drugs entering the country cause serious harm in American communities. Officials say the new designation is meant to limit the group’s ability to operate and to cut off its access to international systems.
Venezuela, however, says the accusations are baseless. Officials claim that the US is using the name of a group that does not exist in order to portray President Nicolás Maduro and his government as criminals. They argue that the United States is trying to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Growing Tension in the Region
The timing of the US announcement has led to growing concern across the region. The large military buildup ordered by President Trump in the Caribbean has increased speculation about possible future steps by Washington. While US officials say the buildup is for general security, many observers believe it is linked to the rising pressure on Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government says the United States is looking for excuses to take stronger action. It continues to deny the existence of the Cartel de los Soles and says the designation is intended to intimidate the country. Officials argue that Washington is using the terrorist label to justify actions that might otherwise face criticism.
Despite Venezuela’s objections, the US maintains that its decision is based on information involving illegal drug movement and high-level involvement in the group. The situation has added more strain to the already difficult relationship between the two countries.