On Monday, November 24, Venezuela's government publicly rejected the U.S. designation of the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, calling the group “nonexistent.”
In a statement shared on social media by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Caracas condemned the move as a “vile lie,” accusing the United States of using it as a pretext for an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.
The U.S. Department of State announcement, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on November 16, named Cartel de los Soles a Foreign Terrorist Organization effective November 24.
Since early September, U.S. forces have sunk more than 20 vessels accused of drug trafficking, resulting in over 80 deaths. Washington frames these operations as counter-narcotics measures, while Caracas calls them geopolitical pressure tactics aimed at destabilization.
The dispute underscores mounting tensions as Venezuelan authorities vow to protect peace and safeguard the nation’s highest interests.
Reference(s):
Venezuela rejects U.S. 'terrorist' designation of 'nonexistent' cartel
cgtn.com
