U.S. Designates Venezuela’s ‘Cartel de los Soles’ as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Overview

• The State Department said the so‑called network is tied to Venezuela’s leadership and asserted Nicolás Maduro heads it.
• An FTO designation triggers severe sanctions on the group and alleged beneficiaries, increasing legal and political pressure.
• Venezuela’s foreign ministry rejected the move as a “ridiculous lie,” denied the cartel exists, and urged Washington to change its policy toward the region.
• The U.S. has built up forces in the Caribbean, including the Gerald R. Ford carrier group and a submarine, with reports of at least 20 fast boats sunk since September causing 76 deaths.
• Reuters reported the United States may start a new phase of operations in Venezuela in the coming days, with no details disclosed.