The United States has announced plans to designate Venezuela’s notorious Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), escalating pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The designation, set to take effect on 24 November, effectively labels Maduro a terrorist, as Washington alleges he leads the cartel. Maduro has strongly denied the accusations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that the move is aimed at curbing drug trafficking and cracking down on alleged criminal networks within Venezuela. “Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government,” Rubio said.
The Cartel de los Soles is an alleged criminal group reportedly involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining, with ties to Venezuela’s military and inner political circle. While the US has not publicly released evidence directly linking Maduro to drug operations, the designation allows the government to target the group and its associates more aggressively. Under FTO rules, it becomes illegal for anyone to knowingly provide material support to the cartel.
Previously, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the group, but the FTO designation unlocks broader enforcement powers. The Trump administration has also intensified military pressure, deploying the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean and carrying out at least 21 strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuela and Colombia, reportedly killing 83 people.
This move comes amid ongoing speculation that the US may consider land-based operations in Venezuela. President Trump has indicated discussions with Congress are underway and hinted at potential talks with Maduro, without providing specifics.
In addition, the US has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, alleging he is a major narco-trafficker responsible for fentanyl entering the US. However, most fentanyl is produced in Mexico with precursor chemicals from Asia. While Venezuela is involved in some cocaine trafficking, the region’s primary production hubs remain Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.
The designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization marks a significant escalation in US efforts to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Maduro’s government, signaling a more aggressive approach to Venezuela’s political and criminal landscape.
