US Declares Maduro’s Cartel de los Soles a Terrorist Organization

URGENT UPDATE: The United States has just announced it will designate the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This declaration was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on November 16, 2023, and is set to take effect on November 24, 2023.

The U.S. government alleges that the Cartel de los Soles, also known as the Cartel of the Suns, is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials within his regime. These officials are accused of overseeing an extensive international cocaine-smuggling operation that poses a significant threat to global security.

This designation significantly enhances federal authorities’ ability to prosecute and dismantle the cartel’s operations. In his statement, Rubio emphasized the urgent need to confront the escalating influence of Maduro’s socialist government, which has been increasingly criticized for its ties to organized crime and drug trafficking.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: The move reflects rising tensions between the U.S. and Maduro’s regime, which has faced international condemnation for human rights violations and corruption. Designating the cartel as a terrorist organization is a critical step in holding accountable those involved in such illicit activities.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as U.S. officials ramp up pressure on Venezuela to curtail the rampant drug trade that has been linked to violence and instability in the region.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how this designation will impact U.S.-Venezuela relations and whether it will lead to further sanctions or actions against Maduro’s government.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.