The Trump administration targets a network of Venezuelan military and government officials accused of drug trafficking and corruption.
The Trump administration has officially designated the Cártel de los Soles, a group allegedly composed of high-ranking Venezuelan military officers and senior government officials, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
The designation marks one of the most aggressive U.S. actions yet against Venezuelan leadership, escalating legal and diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
According to U.S. officials, the Cártel de los Soles is accused of:
- Trafficking tons of cocaine through the Caribbean and Central America
- Using state institutions, including the armed forces, to facilitate narcotics operations
- Coordinating with foreign criminal and terrorist groups
- Financing corruption and political repression inside Venezuela
The terrorist designation opens the door for expanded sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset freezes, and international targeting of members and associates.
Administration officials say the move aligns with the goals of Operation Southern Spear, a major U.S. counter-narcotics initiative that has intensified military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific.
The White House has not yet released the full list of individuals associated with the designation, but sources say additional actions are expected in the coming days.
The Venezuelan government has not responded to the announcement.
