CARACAS: Venezuela on Monday rejected the United States’ designation of an alleged drug cartel, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), calling it a “ridiculous lie” aimed at justifying an “illegitimate” military intervention.
Read More: US weighs major new action against Venezuela
The move comes amid a major US military build-up near Venezuelan waters, sparking speculation about potential plans to oust President Nicolás Maduro. Washington accuses Maduro of heading the alleged drug cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for his capture.
It is done.
“Cartel de los Soles” which is the name the US has given Maduro and the Venezuelan generals involved in drug trade, has been marked a Foreign terrorist Organization by the State Department as of this morning.
Escalation in Venezuela expected in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/35WqLe39vD
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) November 24, 2025
In response, Venezuela’s foreign ministry condemned the designation, blaming US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for spreading falsehoods to legitimize intervention. Maduro, appearing at public events, dismissed the designation, saying, “Whatever they do… they will not be able to defeat Venezuela. We are invincible.”
The US has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier and other forces to the Caribbean, claiming the mission targets drug trafficking routes. Meanwhile, the US embassy announced a visit by Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to Trinidad and Tobago to discuss “countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations,” part of a broader maximum pressure campaign against Maduro.
https://t.co/jLA0C8RqEQ pic.twitter.com/PRWj21lDN7
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) November 24, 2025
Analysts say the so-called Cartel of the Suns likely refers to corruption among senior officials rather than an organized drug syndicate. Since September, US forces have struck at least 83 boats suspected of drug trafficking, though no public evidence confirms drugs were on board, raising legal and humanitarian concerns.
Read More: Venezuela rallies militia volunteers in response to US ‘threat’
The rising tensions have affected civilian travel, with six airlines cancelling flights to Venezuela and the US FAA advising caution for aircraft in Venezuelan airspace. Experts warn the terrorism designation may give Washington broader legal cover, increasing pressure on Caracas amid an already fragile political and economic situation.