US Designates Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as Terrorist Organization; Caracas Rejects 'Ridiculous Lie'
The United States officially designated Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, linking it to President Maduro, while Venezuela's government vehemently rejects the accusation as a "ridiculous lie."
Overview
- The United States government officially designated Venezuela's "Cartel de los Soles" as a foreign terrorist organization, directly linking the group to President Maduro and his inner circle.
- Venezuela's government strongly rejected the US designation of Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, calling the accusation a "new and ridiculous lie."
- This designation provides the US government with enhanced powers to take action, including imposing sanctions and barring representatives from entering the country, targeting the cartel's operations.
- President Maduro and his inner circle were previously indicted by the US Justice Department on narcoterrorism charges, accused of overseeing the cartel and engaging in drug trafficking.
- Amidst these escalating tensions, the US military deployed warships to the Caribbean for Operation Southern Spear, and international airlines suspended flights over Venezuela.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally by presenting a balanced view of the US designation of Cartel de los Soles. They consistently include Venezuela's strong denials and expert opinions that question the US's characterization of the group as a traditional cartel, providing crucial context and alternative perspectives on the nature of the alleged organization.
"The terrorist designation, which was announced last week, is designed to put more pressure on Maduro, even as U.S. warships and more than 10,000 American troops step up training exercises in the region."
CBS News"The designation gives it another way to turn up the heat."
BBC News"The Trump administration applied it in February to eight Latin American criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and other activities."
NPR"The designation is the latest measure in the Trump administration’s escalating campaign to combat drug trafficking into the U.S."
Associated PressArticles (14)
Center (4)
FAQ
The Cartel de los Soles is a criminal network allegedly composed of high-ranking members of Venezuela's Armed Forces and government officials, including President Nicolás Maduro. The US government claims the cartel is embedded within state institutions and is involved in drug trafficking and supporting other criminal organizations.
The US designated the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization due to its alleged involvement in drug trafficking, providing material support to other terrorist groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, and threatening the peace and security of the United States.
The Venezuelan government has rejected the US designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, calling it a “new and ridiculous lie” and denying any involvement in the alleged criminal activities.
The US designation allows for enhanced actions such as imposing sanctions, barring cartel representatives from entering the US, and targeting the cartel's operations and financial networks.
The Cartel de los Soles is linked to Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, both of which are involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and other criminal activities.
History
- 18h
6 articles
- 1d
5 articles