The United States will designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of leading the group, in a move that escalates tensions and could pave the way for more aggressive actions against drug trafficking and regional instability.
The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, announced the designation on Sunday, with it set to take effect on November 24. This marks a significant step in the U.S. campaign against organized crime, as the department stated that neither Maduro nor his associates represent Venezuela’s legitimate government. The decision follows increased military deployments to the Caribbean, including the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, underscoring the administration’s focus on countering narcotics flows.
Cartel de los Soles is alleged to be a criminal network involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and collaboration with other designated groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel. U.S. officials claim it is led by Maduro and includes high-ranking Venezuelan military and government figures, though conclusive public evidence of his direct involvement has not been presented. The foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation makes it illegal for U.S. persons to provide material support and allows for enhanced sanctions and asset freezes.
This escalation is part of a broader strategy that has seen the U.S. conduct over 20 airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in recent months, resulting in dozens of casualties. President Donald Trump has suggested that the FTO label could justify targeting Maduro’s assets and infrastructure inside Venezuela, though he emphasized that no decision has been made and discussions with Venezuelan officials might be underway. Trump also asserted that congressional authorization is not required for such actions, but he prefers to keep lawmakers informed.
The designation builds on previous measures, including Treasury Department sanctions imposed in July that labeled the cartel as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. In August, the U.S. increased a reward to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest on drug charges. These steps reflect a persistent effort to isolate Maduro’s regime, which the U.S. accuses of facilitating narcotics trade that contributes to fentanyl and other drug crises in America.
Venezuela has consistently denied the allegations, with officials and some experts questioning the existence of Cartel de los Soles as a formal organization. Instead, they describe it as a term coined to refer to corruption within state institutions. Despite this, the U.S. maintains that the cartel’s activities, including drug shipments via air and river routes, would not be possible without high-level complicity.
The FTO designation requires a seven-day congressional review period before taking effect, during which lawmakers could potentially block it. However, given the administration’s assertive stance, it is likely to proceed, further straining U.S.-Venezuela relations. The move has raised concerns about the legality and potential for military escalation, as experts note that the designation itself does not explicitly authorize the use of lethal force.
Looking ahead, the impact of this designation on drug trafficking and regional stability remains uncertain. It could lead to increased diplomatic efforts or further military actions, depending on Maduro’s response and international reactions. The situation highlights the complex interplay between counterterrorism policies and geopolitical tensions in the Americas.
