Politics USA classifies alleged Maduro cartel as a terrorist group
The USA is toughening its tone towards Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
17.11.2025, 03:00
SDA
The government in Washington wants to classify the so-called "Cartel de los Soles" - the alleged cartel is said to be linked to the authoritarian left-wing politician - as a foreign terrorist organization from 24 November. This was announced by the US State Department.
The US military is currently deploying forces in the Caribbean. In recent weeks, the armed forces have destroyed around 20 boats belonging to suspected drug smugglers in the region and more than 80 people have been killed, according to US figures. Officially, the US government cites the fight against drug cartels as the reason for its intervention. Venezuela, on the other hand, sees the strong military presence of the United States as a threatening gesture. Tensions between the countries have increased.
Trump: Venezuela wants to talk
US President Donald Trump also vaguely hinted at possible talks with the country. He told journalists who asked about Venezuela that talks with Maduro might be held. "They would like to talk," said Trump. He was not more specific.
Who is behind "Cartel de los Soles"?
Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) is said to be a criminal syndicate made up of officers from the Venezuelan armed forces. The name is borrowed from the suns on the epaulettes of Venezuelan generals. However, security experts are divided as to whether the cartel even exists as a hierarchically organized group. According to experts, it is far more likely that high-ranking military officers allow established crime syndicates to operate in Venezuela in return for bribes and offer them protection if necessary.
USA: Maduro corrupt
The US State Department accuses Maduro of leading the alleged cartel with other high-ranking members of the Maduro regime. They are said to have corrupted Venezuela's military, intelligence services, legislation and jurisdiction. "Neither Maduro nor his henchmen represent the legitimate government of Venezuela", the statement continued. Maduro himself denies having anything to do with drug trafficking.
It is not only the USA that denies Maduro's legitimacy. The EU and many Latin American countries also doubt the official result of the 2024 presidential election, which was accompanied by allegations of fraud, and instead consider the opposition candidate Edmundo González, who is now living in exile in Spain, to be the winner. Despite nationwide protests and international criticism, Maduro was sworn in for a third term of office until 2031 at the beginning of the year.
Not the first cartel on the US terror list
This is not the first time that the US government has classified a cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. In January, it announced that the notorious "Tren de Aragua" group, a powerful cartel originating in Venezuela, would be added to the list.
The classification of cartels as terrorist organizations enables the US government to impose sanctions - for example, to freeze the assets of cartel members and their supporters.
