US deems Venezuela’s ‘Cartel de los Soles’ a terror group

The United States ramped up pressure on Venezuela on Monday by designating the so-called Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) group as a terrorist organisation. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month the US would announce the designation of the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States. 

The move is the latest confrontation between the two nations, as the US has carried out strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in international waters near Venezuela and openly called for Maduro’s ouster.

Washington‘s listing of the Cartel de los Soles would open the door to new forms of US pressure on leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. 

Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry hit back at the move, saying “Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organisation… to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.”

The administration of US President Donald Trump has alleged that the cartel is run by Maduro, something the Venezuelan government has repeatedly denied.

What is Cartel de los Soles?

The name Cartel de los Soles refers tot he sun-like symbols that are emblazoned on the uniforms of members of the Venezuelan armed forces.

Venezuelans began using the term in the 1990s to refer to members of the military who had become involved with the illicit drug trade near Venezuela’s border with Colombia, while overseeing drug missions they were supposed to infiltrate and disrupt.

But as corruption expanded across Venezuela, first under the late President Hugo Chavez and then under Maduro, the term’s use expanded to implicate the highest-ranking members of Venezuela’s military, members of the police and government officials.

Its description has gone beyond drug trafficking to include activities such as illegal mining and fuel trafficking.

Maduro was indicted by the US during Trump’s first term, in 2020, on federal charges of narcoterrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.

What’s going on between the US and Venezuela?

Washington’s designation comes as the Trump administration carries on an aggressive fight against drugs and illegal immigration from Latin America.

The US has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier and other military forces in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela.

Trump has not ruled out taking military action against Venezuela, but has also suggested that talks with Maduro remain a possibility.

US land strikes would be a major expansion of the monthslong operation that has included a military buildup in the Caribbean and striking boats accused of trafficking drugs, killing more than 80 people.

Officials in Caracas are skeptical over the US’ motives, however, viewing the recent efforts from Washington as an attempt to topple Maduro.

Six airlines on Saturday announced they were canceling flights to Venezuela over safety concerns.

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday urged civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise caution” due to the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.”