### U.S. Targets Alleged Venezuelan Cartel Amid Ongoing Tensions with Maduro The United States is set to impose new sanctions on the Cartel de los Soles, a group it claims is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Maduro's regime, which the U.S. labels as illegitimate and involved in drug trafficking and terrorism. The sanctions are scheduled to take effect on November 24, 2025, and will align the cartel with notorious groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, intensifying the geopolitical conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela [https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/17/americas/venezuela-cartel-de-los-soles-fto-latam-intl][https://www.rt.com/news/627876-us-cartel-venezuela-terrorist]. ### Breakdown of the U.S. Sanction Strategy 1. **Designation of Cartel de los Soles**: The U.S. plans to officially label the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, claiming it is led by Maduro and involved in extensive drug trafficking operations [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/cartel-de-los-soles-us-designate-venezuelan-president-maduro-group-terror-organisation-article-153163530]. 2. **Implications of the Designation**: This classification allows the U.S. to target the cartel's assets and infrastructure, potentially leading to military action if deemed necessary [https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/16/politics/venezuela-cartel-state-department]. 3. **Political Context**: The move comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing the need to combat what he describes as a narco-terrorist network [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/us-to-designate-venezuelas-cartel-de-los-soles-as-foreign-terrorist-organisation/article70289294.ece]. 4. **Reactions from U.S. Leadership**: President Donald Trump has suggested that this designation could open avenues for negotiations with Maduro, despite the severe implications of labeling him a terrorist [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/trump-says-he-could-have-talks-with-venezuelas-maduro]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Designation Timeline**: The U.S. announcement regarding the designation was made on November 17, 2025, with the official designation set to take effect on November 24, 2025 [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/11/17/us-to-designate-alleged-maduro-led-cartel-as-terrorist-group]. - **Comparison with Other Groups**: The Cartel de los Soles will be placed on the same level as recognized terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, highlighting the severity of the U.S. stance [https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/us-to-designate-venezuela-based-cartel-de-los-soles-as-foreign-terrorist-organization-3209997]. - **U.S. Claims**: The U.S. government asserts that the cartel has corrupted Venezuelan institutions and is responsible for significant violence and drug trafficking in the region [https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/11/u-s-to-designate-maduro-linked-cartel-de-los-soles-as-terrorist-organization]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Escalation in U.S.-Venezuela Relations In summary, the U.S. is escalating its pressure on Venezuela by designating the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move is part of a broader strategy to undermine Maduro's regime and combat drug trafficking and terrorism. The implications of this designation are significant, potentially leading to targeted sanctions and military options. 1. **Designation as FTO**: The U.S. will officially label the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. 2. **Asset Targeting**: This designation allows for the targeting of cartel assets and infrastructure. 3. **Political Maneuvering**: The U.S. aims to pressure Maduro while keeping open the possibility for negotiations. 4. **International Implications**: The move aligns the cartel with globally recognized terrorist organizations, intensifying the geopolitical conflict. The situation remains fluid, and the effectiveness of these sanctions in achieving U.S. objectives will be closely monitored [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/17/trump-venezuelan-drug-cartel].