Sanctions against the “Cartel de los Soles”The US government classifies Maduro’s alleged drug cartel as a terrorist group
The US military takes action against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. By classifying a cartel as a terrorist organization, the US government can freeze assets. Trump is still open to talks with Maduro.
The US hardens its stance towards Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The government in Washington wants to classify the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organization starting November 24. The cartel is suspected of being linked to the authoritarian left-wing politician, as announced by the US Department of State.
The US military is currently deploying troops in the Caribbean. In recent weeks, armed forces have destroyed around 20 boats belonging to suspected drug traffickers in the region and, according to US data, more than 80 people have been killed. Officially, the US government cited the war against drug cartels as the reason for its intervention. Venezuela, on the other hand, sees America’s strong military presence as a threat signal.
Trump: “You want to talk”
Tensions between countries are increasing. Donald Trump also hinted at possible talks with the country. The US president told reporters there could be talks with Maduro: “They want to talk,” Trump claimed without giving details.
The “Cartel de los Soles” – translated as “Cartel of the Suns” – is said to be a criminal syndicate made up of officers from the Venezuelan armed forces. A crime syndicate is a hierarchically structured criminal organization that aims to gain profit through illegal activities. On the other hand, security experts believe it is likely that senior military officials will allow established criminal syndicates to operate in Venezuela in exchange for bribes and possibly offering them protection.
“Neither Maduro nor his followers represent the legitimate government of Venezuela,” the US State Department said. According to the US Ministry, Maduro should lead the alleged cartel along with top officials of his regime. Maduro denies any connection to drug trafficking.
It’s not just the US that denies Maduro’s legitimacy
The EU and many Latin American countries also doubt the official results of the 2024 presidential election, which have been accompanied by accusations of fraud, and instead consider opposition candidate Edmundo González, now in exile in Spain, to be the winner of the election. Despite national protests and international criticism, Maduro was sworn in at the start of the year for a third term until 2031.
This is not the first time the US government has classified the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. In January, they announced they would add the notorious Tren de Aragua group, a powerful cartel originating in Venezuela, to the list. Classifying a cartel as a terrorist organization allows the US government to impose sanctions – such as freezing the assets of cartel members and their supporters.
