U.S. set to label Maduro-tied Cartel de los Soles as a terror organization

Published: Monday, November 24, 2025 at 7:11 am

U.S. Set to Label Maduro-Linked Group as Terrorist Organization

The Trump administration is poised to designate the Cartel de los Soles, a group allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization. This move, expected to be announced, is part of an escalating campaign against drug trafficking into the United States. The U.S. government accuses the group of involvement in "terrorist violence" in the Western Hemisphere.

The term "Cartel de los Soles," or "Cartel of the Suns," originated in the 1990s to describe high-ranking military officers involved in drug-running. The U.S. Justice Department indicted Maduro and his inner circle in 2020 on narcoterrorism and other charges. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the group in July, alleging Maduro and his allies used the Venezuelan government to assist in trafficking narcotics.

This designation follows the administration's earlier move to label eight Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. military has been conducting operations, including strikes against boats suspected of drug trafficking, in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. These actions, which have resulted in casualties, are intended to stop narcotics from reaching American cities.

The administration has not ruled out military action against Venezuela, and the designation is expected to provide the U.S. with "new options" for dealing with Maduro. However, details on these options remain unclear. The administration views Maduro's rule as unsustainable and is reportedly monitoring growing anxiety among Venezuelan officials. Maduro denies the charges and claims the U.S. is using a false narrative to remove him from power.

The U.S. Justice Department has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest. The indictment alleges Maduro and others conspired to "flood the United States with cocaine."

BNN's Perspective:

The designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization marks a significant escalation in the U.S.'s approach to Venezuela. While the administration's concerns about drug trafficking are valid, the move raises questions about the potential for further military involvement and the long-term implications for the Venezuelan people. A measured approach that balances pressure with diplomatic efforts may be the most effective way to address the complex situation.

Keywords: Cartel de los Soles, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, terrorism, drug trafficking, U.S., sanctions, military action, narcoterrorism, foreign terrorist organization, cocaine, sanctions, Trump administration, Caribbean Sea, Justice Department, indictment, Diosdado Cabello, Vladimir Padrino López, Colombia, FARC, Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa cartel

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