By Zoila Palma: Today, Venezuela forcefully rejected what it described as a “ridiculous” and baseless plan by the United States to designate the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.
The response came just hours before Washington was expected to issue the designation, which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended as necessary due to the group’s alleged role in trafficking illegal drugs into the United States.
Venezuelan officials maintain the cartel does not exist and accuse Washington of reviving long-standing political narratives to escalate pressure on President Nicolás Maduro, Reuters report.
The move follows years of U.S. allegations claiming the cartel is composed of high-ranking Venezuelan officials, with some Trump administration figures asserting that Maduro himself leads the network—an accusation he denies.
The expected designation comes amid growing concern over a significant U.S. military buildup across the Caribbean, fueling speculation that Washington may use the terrorist label to justify further intervention.
While sanctions experts note that an FTO designation does not authorize military action, the heightened tensions have raised alarms in Caracas.
“Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous fabrication,” Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said, calling the measure an attempt to legitimize an “illegitimate and illegal intervention.”
The post International News: Venezuela condemns U.S. plan to label ‘Cartel de los Soles’ a terrorist group as tensions escalate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Venezuela forcefully rejected what it described as a “ridiculous” and baseless plan by the United States to designate the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. The response came just hours before Washington was expected to issue the designation, which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended as
The post International News: Venezuela condemns U.S. plan to label ‘Cartel de los Soles’ a terrorist group as tensions escalate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
