Overview
- The designation is expected Monday and the White House accuses President Nicolás Maduro of leading the network, a claim made without public evidence in the reports.
- U.S. forces have massed in the Caribbean, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier and B-52 bombing exercises, after more than 20 strikes since September on suspected narcotics vessels that killed 83 people, according to reporting.
- An FAA alert on heightened military activity prompted six carriers—Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, GOL and Latam—to suspend Venezuela routes, adding to travel and economic disruption.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the terrorism listing offers the administration “a lot of new options,” and anonymous U.S. officials told Reuters the next phase could begin with covert operations, with regime-change options under consideration.
- Venezuela condemned nearby U.S. exercises as a threat and Russia publicly reaffirmed support for Maduro, while analysts question whether a formally structured cartel exists and warn the move could further squeeze Venezuela’s economy even as Chevron continues limited operations.