U.S. Designates Venezuelan Cartel as Terrorist Organization

The United States government announced plans to designate the Venezuelan drug cartel known as the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This decision, confirmed by the State Department, is set to take effect on November 24, 2023. The timing of the announcement coincides with escalating military presence near Venezuela, raising concerns about potential U.S. military action in the Caribbean region.

According to Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, the cartel is purportedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials of his regime. Rubio stated, “Cartel de los Soles, along with other designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere and for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.” He emphasized that the U.S. will employ all available tools to protect national security interests and disrupt the activities of what he termed “narco-terrorists.”

The announcement comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions orchestrated by the Trump administration in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. Since assuming office in January, President Trump has prioritized the targeting of drug cartels as part of a broader anti-immigration policy. Earlier this year, on February 20, he designated eight cartels as terrorist organizations, invoking the Alien Enemies Act in March. This action was justified by claims that the cartels were part of an “invasion” directed by Maduro.

The administration has faced scrutiny over the lack of evidence supporting its claims regarding Maduro’s involvement with the cartel. A report from the National Intelligence Council concluded that Maduro “probably does not have a policy of cooperating” with the Cartel de los Soles. Legal challenges have also arisen over the use of the Alien Enemies Act, with some judges blocking or limiting its application due to concerns about its implications.

The situation escalated further on September 2, when the Trump administration began targeting vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they were associated with drug trafficking. This military action, which reportedly resulted in approximately 80 deaths, has drawn condemnation both domestically and internationally. Critics, including United Nations experts and the President of Colombia, have labeled these operations as extrajudicial killings.

In light of these developments, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at defending U.S. territory and removing narco-terrorists from the hemisphere. Hegseth stated, “This mission defends our homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our hemisphere and secures our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”

As the U.S. bolsters its military presence, including the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Maduro has made public appeals for peace with the United States. In a statement on Sunday, he urged American Christians to embrace “peace, harmony, and forgiveness.” He expressed a desire for a “sacred union” with the U.S., which he views as essential for addressing the ongoing tensions.

The political landscape continues to evolve as President Trump has consistently targeted Maduro since the latter’s controversial re-election in 2019. Following a campaign of maximum pressure, which included sanctions and political maneuvering, the efforts to oust Maduro waned after President Joe Biden took office in 2020. The current military buildup and diplomatic rhetoric suggest that the situation remains precarious, with the potential for significant implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.