Washington: The US has officially designated a group linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a 'foreign terrorist organization (FTO)', potentially broadening Washington's military and legal strategies against Venezuela. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced this development, emphasizing that this new classification opens up a range of actions for the United States. Hegseth reiterated that the US does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate leader and accused him of drug trafficking, allegations that Maduro has consistently denied.
According to Anadolu Agency, the designation of the Cartel de los Soles was made public earlier this week by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The new classification criminalizes providing any material support to the group under federal law. US officials allege that the cartel collaborates with the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua in smuggling narcotics into the United States and maintain that Maduro is at the helm of the organization. Maduro has repeatedly rejected these claims.
The FTO designation will become effective on Monday. A statement from the US State Department dated November 16 indicated that the Cartel de los Soles, which operates out of Venezuela, is led by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking officials of what the US deems the illegitimate Maduro regime. The statement accused them of corrupting Venezuela's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary.
This move coincides with a substantial US military buildup in the area, including the deployment of a major aircraft carrier group and F-35 fighter jets. Tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated since August when former President Trump ordered a military deployment in the Caribbean, targeting drug cartels and drug trafficking routes allegedly connected to Maduro. Caracas has argued that these actions aim for a regime change. Since then, US military operations have resulted in 21 strikes on drug-laden vessels, resulting in 83 fatalities. Trump has also hinted at targeting drug trafficking operations within Venezuela.