US terrorist designation for Venezuela group could expand military options

The United States has formally designated a Venezuelan organization connected to President Nicolas Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that American defense officials say will significantly expand their military and legal options against Caracas. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the classification provides Washington with additional tools for potential action against the Venezuelan government, which the US does not recognize as legitimate.

Terrorist Designation Details

The Cartel de los Soles was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week, with the measure scheduled to take effect on Monday, November 24. According to the State Department, the organization is "headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary." The designation makes providing any material support to the group a federal crime under US law.

Allegations and Venezuelan Response

US officials allege that the cartel collaborates with the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, which already carries an FTO designation, in smuggling narcotics into the United States. American authorities have repeatedly accused Maduro of leading the organization and involvement in drug trafficking, allegations that the Venezuelan president has consistently denied. Caracas maintains that the US actions are aimed at achieving regime change rather than combating criminal activity.

Military Buildup and Regional Tensions

The terrorist designation coincides with a substantial US military buildup in the Caribbean region, including the deployment of a major aircraft carrier group and advanced F-35 fighter jets. Tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated significantly since President Trump ordered a military deployment in August with the stated objective of attacking drug cartels and disrupting trafficking routes allegedly linked to Maduro's government. The US military has conducted 21 strikes on vessels it claimed were transporting drugs, resulting in 83 fatalities.