The United States has officially designated the ‘Cartel of the Suns’ as a foreign terrorist organization, placing it in the same category as groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This move aligns with longstanding U.S. allegations that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro leads the alleged criminal network, which is accused of drug trafficking and organized crime. The U.S. Treasury reiterated these claims in the announcement of the designation, intensifying diplomatic tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The decision follows nearly two months of U.S. airstrikes on small boats in the Caribbean, which the Pentagon claims are aimed at combating narcoterrorism. These strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of approximately 80 people, have been a focal point of recent U.S. military operations in the region. The U.S. has repeatedly stated that these actions are necessary to combat illicit activities and protect regional security, though they have been met with criticism from both regional governments and international observers.
The term ‘Cartel of the Suns’ has historical roots, dating back to the 1990s when it was a media reference to alleged corruption among Venezuelan military officers who reportedly wore Sun-shaped insignia on their uniforms. In 2020, the U.S. indicted Maduro and 14 other officials on charges of drug trafficking and organized crime, claiming that they collectively ran the cartel. However, many analysts and regional leaders have questioned the validity of these claims, suggesting that the allegations are politically motivated rather than based on concrete evidence.
Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello, one of the officials charged by the U.S., argued that the accusations are a way for Washington to label anyone who opposes them as part of a criminal enterprise. Colombian President Gustavo Petro dismissed the term as a ‘fictional excuse of the far right to bring down governments that do not obey them.’ These statements underscore the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, with the U.S. accused of using the designation of the cartel as a pretext for military intervention.
The recent U.S. strikes in the Caribbean, combined with a buildup of military assets in the region, have fueled speculation about Washington’s intentions regarding Venezuela. While the U.S. maintains that its actions are aimed at counterterrorism and drug trafficking, critics argue that the campaign could be a prelude to a renewed effort to remove Maduro from power. This situation highlights the complex interplay of political, military, and economic factors in the ongoing standoff between the U.S. and Venezuela.