U.S. Designates Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as Terrorist Organization

On November 16, 2025, the United States formally designated Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This designation implicates Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials in a network accused of drug trafficking. The U.S. government claims that the Cartel de los Soles plays a significant role in the importation of illegal drugs into the United States, a claim that has been met with strong opposition from the Venezuelan government.

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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the U.S. designation as "ridiculous" and labeled the Cartel de los Soles as a "non-existent" entity. He characterized the U.S. actions as a revival of "an infamous and vile lie" aimed at justifying potential military intervention in Venezuela. Gil asserted that this maneuver would ultimately fail, similar to previous U.S. aggressions against the country.

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The designation allows for the imposition of additional sanctions targeting Maduro's assets and infrastructure. While it does not explicitly authorize military action, U.S. officials have suggested that it could provide expanded military options. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the designation would create "a whole bunch of new options" for the U.S. government. However, experts have noted that the designation primarily serves as a message rather than a direct mandate for military engagement.

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Critics argue that the designation oversimplifies the complex nature of Venezuelan governance and corruption. Phil Gunson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, stated that the term "Cartel de los Soles" has historically been used as a pejorative for corrupt officials rather than a formal organized crime group. Gunson emphasized that declaring this "fake cartel" a terrorist organization could have serious consequences, potentially framing Maduro as a terrorist akin to Osama bin Laden.

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The designation coincides with a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, with over a dozen U.S. warships and 15,000 troops deployed in the region. This escalation has raised concerns about the potential for military action against Venezuela. A CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that 70% of Americans oppose military intervention in Venezuela, indicating a disconnect between government actions and public sentiment.

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The Trump administration has maintained that its actions aim to combat illegal drug trafficking and migration flows. However, the potential for regime change remains a concern, as U.S. officials have been briefed on various military options, including strikes on military facilities. Trump has expressed some willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions with Maduro, although the specifics of such talks remain unclear.

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There is a notable discrepancy in the characterization of the Cartel de los Soles. While U.S. officials assert its existence as a structured organization involved in drug trafficking, analysts argue that it is more accurately described as a network of corrupt officials. The lack of clear evidence regarding Maduro's direct involvement in drug trafficking further complicates the narrative.

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• “Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, Marco Rubio, which designates the non-existent Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization,” — Yvan Gil, Venezuelan Foreign Minister

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• “I think it’s intended to send the message to Maduro that you are now considered a terrorist, and therefore, you might suffer the same fate as Osama bin Laden,” — Phil Gunson, Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group

New York Times

The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. poised to launch new operations related to Venezuela, although the exact timing and scope are yet to be determined.

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