U.S. escalates pressure on Venezuela

The statement issued by the U.S. Department of State announcing that the Cartel de los Soles would be added to the FTO list went into effect after the deadline expired.

Venezuela reacts to the U.S. decision on “Cartel de los Soles”

Thus, all assets in the United States or under the control of U.S. citizens connected to the criminal organization will be blocked, and any transactions with these individuals will be prohibited, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

In addition, foreign financial institutions involved in transactions connected to the criminal organization also face the risk of secondary sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on November 17 that the United States would designate the Cartel de los Soles as an FTO.

In his written statement, Rubio said, “Along with other organizations such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, the Cartel de los Soles is responsible for violence across our hemisphere as well as drug trafficking into the United States and Europe.”

Rubio accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and senior officials of running the group, stating that they “do not represent the legitimate government of Venezuela.”

The U.S. Treasury Department had also added the Cartel de los Soles to its sanctions list in July.

Activity in the Caribbean

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously signed an executive order calling for increased and more effective use of the military to confront Latin American drug cartels on the ground.

In this context, in late August, the United States deployed a naval force—including a submarine and warships—to waters near Venezuela. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. military was ready for operations in Venezuela, including potential regime change.

In response, Venezuelan President Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members in the country, declaring they were ready to repel any attack.

The United States’ continued targeting of boats off the coast of Venezuela on drug trafficking grounds has drawn criticism from both the Venezuelan government and the international community, with many arguing that the attacks are “in violation of international law.”

It was also reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s largest aircraft carrier—and its strike group, sent under the pretext of “combating drug trafficking,” had reached the Latin American region.