US Names Venezuelan Cartel a Terrorist Organization, Rubio Says

UPDATE: The United States is set to classify the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This announcement comes directly from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on November 16, 2023, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. response to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The designation will officially take effect on November 24, 2023. The U.S. government claims that the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro and other top officials, oversees a vast international cocaine-smuggling network, a charge Maduro has vigorously denied. This decisive move enhances federal authorities’ capacity to prosecute and dismantle the organization, intensifying the pressure on the Venezuelan government amid ongoing tensions.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of this designation are profound. The U.S. aims to disrupt the cartel’s operations, which are reportedly linked to human trafficking and violence that affects many communities. Rubio stated, “We are committed to holding accountable those who threaten our national security and the safety of our citizens.”

This action also aligns with broader U.S. efforts to counteract the influence of Maduro’s socialist regime, which has faced increasing scrutiny over human rights violations and corruption. The designation is expected to draw significant international attention, potentially leading to further sanctions and diplomatic actions against Venezuela.

What happens next remains critical to observe. The U.S. State Department’s move could incite retaliatory actions from Caracas and may escalate tensions in the region. Observers are urged to monitor developments closely as federal authorities prepare to engage with this evolving crisis.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter as it develops.