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US to designate Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as terrorists

November 17, 2025

The US State Department has announced it will designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation starting November 24th, effectively labeling Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a terrorist since Washington claims he leads this alleged criminal network. This escalated designation, which goes beyond previous Treasury sanctions, makes it illegal to provide support to the group and its associates, giving the US government stronger enforcement powers. The move represents the Trump administration's aggressive strategy to combat drug trafficking and increase pressure on Maduro, amid growing speculation about possible US military strikes on Venezuelan territory.

Who is affected

  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
  • Cartel de los Soles members
  • Members of Maduro's inner circle, including military personnel
  • Anyone who knowingly offers support to the designated organization
  • At least 83 people killed in US strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels
  • The Venezuelan government and its representatives

What action is being taken

  • The US is designating Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (effective November 24th)
  • The US has sent the largest military deployment to the Caribbean in decades
  • The US is carrying out airstrikes on boats off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia (at least 21 strikes conducted since September)
  • President Trump has asked Secretary of State Rubio to discuss the situation with Congress

Why it matters

  • This designation significantly escalates US pressure on Venezuela's government by effectively labeling its president a terrorist, which could provide justification for direct military action against Maduro or his associates. The FTO classification unlocks stronger enforcement powers beyond existing Treasury sanctions, making it illegal to provide support to the group and enabling more aggressive crackdowns. This approach represents a major shift in US-Venezuela relations and could set a precedent for how the US addresses alleged state-sponsored drug trafficking, though it raises concerns given the lack of publicly available evidence and the fact that Venezuela is not a primary source of fentanyl entering the United States.

What's next

  • The FTO designation will take effect on November 24th
  • President Trump stated he has "sort of" made a decision about future actions but has not announced it yet
  • Possible discussions between the US and Maduro may occur, as Trump mentioned "we may be having some discussions" and that "Venezuela wants to talk," though no timeline was provided
  • Trump has asked Rubio to discuss the situation with Congress

Read full article from source: BBC