The United States has formally designated the Venezuelan network known as the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity, marking one of Washington’s most significant escalations against the government of Nicolás Maduro in recent years. The announcement was issued on November 16 in an official State Department release.
U.S. Links Cartel to Senior Venezuelan Leadership
According to the State Department, Cartel de los Soles is not an independent criminal group but a network rooted directly within Venezuela’s political and military elite. U.S. officials stated the organization consists of “senior Venezuelan officials, including Nicolás Maduro and members of his inner circle,” alleging that high-ranking military officers have used their authority, symbolized by the sun-shaped insignia on their uniforms, to facilitate illicit operations.
Washington Labels Venezuela a ‘Criminal Cartel State’
In a briefing with reporters, a senior U.S. official went further, describing Venezuela under Maduro as a “criminal cartel state.”
The characterization signals Washington’s stance that the government itself operates as a structured criminal enterprise, using state institutions to conduct and protect illegal activities.
Drug Trafficking and Arms Networks Cited as Key Evidence
The new designations stem from allegations that the group has been deeply involved in international drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and corruption schemes. U.S. officials assert the cartel helped move massive quantities of cocaine through Venezuela, working alongside Colombian armed organizations including the ELN and dissident FARC factions.
Investigators also accuse the network of using violence to silence opponents, shield criminal operations, and enrich loyalists within the Maduro administration-actions the U.S. says have contributed to destabilizing the region.
Sanctions Expected to Intensify Pressure on Maduro Government
With the FTO and SDGT classifications in place, the U.S. now has broader authority to freeze assets, block transactions, and prosecute anyone providing support to the group. Financial institutions worldwide are expected to increase scrutiny of Venezuelan-linked transactions to avoid violating terrorism-related sanctions.
Officials say the designations are designed to cut off the cartel’s access to global financial channels and pressure other nations to take similar steps.
Longstanding Accusations Reach a New Level
Although members of the Venezuelan military and government have faced U.S. sanctions for years, Washington’s move to apply terrorism classifications marks a major policy shift.
Analysts expect the decision to deepen the diplomatic standoff between the United States and Venezuela while reshaping how international organizations approach Caracas’ political and economic activities.
The announcement comes amid continued political turmoil and widespread humanitarian challenges in Venezuela, with millions fleeing the country in recent years.
