Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles formally designated as terrorist group

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – The Trump administration has formally designated Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it of drug trafficking and violence.

Venezuela has rejected the move as “ridiculous” and based on a “nonexistent” cartel.

The designation, published in the Federal Register on Monday, authorizes sanctions against the group, which Washington accuses of international drug trafficking and coordination with other designated terrorist organizations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formalized the designation, stating the cartel “by and with other designated FTOs including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.”

While Rubio had announced the decision earlier this month, it became officially effective on Monday, enabling broader legal and financial measures against the Venezuela-based group.

The Venezuelan government quickly condemned the designation as baseless. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed it as a “ridiculous fabrication” targeting a “nonexistent” cartel, accusing Washington of repeating “an infamous and vile lie to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.”

The move coincides with increased US military presence across Latin America, including deployments of Marines, warships, aircraft, and submarines.

The buildup has fueled speculation about possible US action against Venezuela, though U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he will soon speak with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro has expressed willingness for “face-to-face” dialogue with Washington, suggesting diplomatic channels remain open despite heightened tensions.