U.S. Set to Designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as Foreign Terrorist Organization
Announcement from the Trump Administration
On November 17, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration plans to classify Cartel de los Soles, alleged to be led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The designation is expected to take effect on November 24. This announcement coincides with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, into the Caribbean Sea, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military presence in the region.
Allegations Against Maduro and the Cartel
In his statement, Rubio claimed that Cartel de los Soles is not a traditional drug trafficking organization but rather a decentralized network of military and government officials involved in the illegal drug trade. He accused Maduro and his associates of corrupting various arms of the Venezuelan government, including the military and judiciary. Rubio emphasized that neither Maduro nor his officials represent what he termed Venezuela’s legitimate governance.
U.S. Military Operations
The Trump administration maintains that its current operations, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, focus on counteracting drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, stated that the USS Gerald R. Ford’s deployment serves as a critical measure to safeguard the Western Hemisphere’s security and the safety of the U.S. homeland. Over the past two months, U.S. military forces have conducted strikes against at least 22 vessels suspected of transporting drugs, resulting in significant fatalities.
Potential Discussions with Venezuela
In a address to reporters, President Trump hinted at possible discussions with Maduro, stating, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out. They would like to talk.” This comment follows previous reports suggesting that high-level meetings among Trump’s advisors were exploring military options regarding Venezuela, reportedly including potential land strikes.
Reactions to U.S. Military Build-Up
The U.S. has faced scrutiny from regional leaders and human rights organizations regarding the legality and ethics of its military actions in Venezuela. Despite assertions of having the right to engage with drug-related terrorists, critics are skeptical of the U.S. government’s classifications of targets and the justifications for military engagement.
In conjunction with U.S. military movements, Venezuela initiated its own large-scale military exercise involving around 200,000 personnel as a show of strength against perceived external threats.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring U.S. actions and rhetoric concerning Venezuela. Experts warn that the military build-up signifies serious implications for regional stability and reinforces anxieties surrounding U.S. military intervention in Latin America. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, noted that these actions have aroused concern not only within Venezuela but also across the region, emphasizing the significance of U.S. military presence in Latin America.