U.S. labels another cartel terrorist, Venezuela calls it a "ridiculous fabrication"

The United States has placed Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles on its list of foreign terrorist organisations and has extended sanctions that also affect President Nicolas Maduro. The US accuses the network of collaborating with the Tren de Aragua gang in smuggling drugs into the country.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the move opens up new possibilities for further US action. At the same time, President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up the military's presence in the Caribbean, raising fears of a possible intervention.

The Venezuelan government has rejected the US claims. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called the cartel "non-existent" and said it was a "ridiculous fabrication". He accused Washington of attempting regime change in order to control Venezuela's oil resources. Maduro denies any involvement in criminal activities.

According to analysts at InSight Crime, the idea of Maduro as cartel boss is simplistic. Rather, it is a corrupt system where high-ranking officials benefit from cooperation with drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters, the US is preparing the next phase of operations against Venezuela, without giving a precise timetable.

(reuters, max)