The United States has formally classified the ‘Cartel de los Soles’ as a foreign terrorist organization, imposing new sanctions and alleging connections to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government. This action, aimed at curbing alleged drug trafficking into the US, has been met with immediate and strong rejection from Venezuela, which describes the designation as a baseless fabrication.
According to US authorities, the ‘Cartel de los Soles’ is implicated in the flow of illegal narcotics into American territory. The declaration was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and occurs while the US is reinforcing its military presence in the Caribbean region. While some fear the label could prelude military intervention, legal analyses suggest that the designation itself does not authorize such actions.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil vehemently disputed the US claim, stating on Telegram that Venezuela “categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication.” He accused the US of attempting to justify “an illegitimate and illegal intervention” to gain control over Venezuela’s oil resources, emphasizing that such maneuvers have historically failed.
This latest move follows a July action by the US Treasury Department, which identified the ‘Cartel of the Suns’ as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist,’ leading to asset freezes and transaction bans for Americans. The name itself refers to the sun insignia distinctive to Venezuelan generals, suggesting senior military involvement.