Key Points
- Venezuela calls US designation of “Cartel de los Soles” a “ridiculous lie”
- Caracas denies any links between President Maduro and the alleged cartel
- US alleges involvement of Venezuelan officials in drug trafficking
- Move escalates tensions amid US military presence in the Caribbean
- Regional security implications heighten with growing U.S.-Venezuela confrontation
CARACAS: Venezuela has strongly rejected the US decision to designate the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organisation, calling the move a politically motivated “ridiculous fabrication,” according to international media.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil denounced the designation by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing it as “an infamous and vile lie” and asserting that the group is “non-existent.” He rejected any links between the cartel and President Nicolás Maduro, framing the US action as part of a broader strategy to justify illegitimate intervention, the Minister posted on his Telegram account, according to Reuters.
What is the Cartel de los Soles?
The “Cartel de los Soles” is an alleged network of Venezuelan military and political figures accused by the US authorities of controlling drug trafficking operations, primarily cocaine shipments to the United States and Europe. The name derives from the sun insignia worn by Venezuelan generals. While the US asserts that the cartel is embedded within state structures, the Venezuelan government denies its existence, framing the allegations as politically motivated.
Background and Context
The United States designated the Cartel de los Soles as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” entity, citing its alleged role in narcotics trafficking and claiming links to high-ranking officials within the Venezuelan government.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have intensified against a backdrop of US military deployments in the Caribbean. Venezuela views these measures as coercive, aimed at pressuring President Maduro’s government, while rejecting US claims as a pretext for regime change, according to Al Jazeera.
President Maduro has repeatedly denied involvement with the cartel, accusing the United States of using terrorism and anti-narcotics designations to justify intervention and exploit Venezuela’s oil wealth. US officials, in contrast, argue that the designation strengthens legal tools to disrupt drug trafficking networks allegedly embedded in Venezuelan state structures, according to Reuters.
Regional Implications
Analysts warn that the US move could escalate tensions in Latin America, with potential spillover effects for neighbouring countries. The designation may prompt Caracas to strengthen diplomatic and military responses while heightening security concerns in the Caribbean and northern South America. Regional governments and international organisations are likely to monitor closely, given the potential impact on trade, migration, and counter-narcotics cooperation.
