The United States has officially labeled the ‘Cartel of the Suns’ as a foreign terrorist organization, placing it alongside groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This designation comes amidst ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean, where airstrikes have targeted suspected narcoterrorist vessels, leading to an estimated 80 deaths. US officials have long accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading the cartel, a claim that has been met with skepticism from regional leaders and analysts who dispute the existence of a cohesive, hierarchical criminal enterprise.
The US Treasury’s decision reinforces longstanding allegations that Maduro and 14 other officials are engaged in drug trafficking and organized crime, though these claims have been challenged by figures such as Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who view the designation as politically motivated. During US President Donald Trump’s first term, Washington recognized opposition figure Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, though his subsequent attempts to overthrow Maduro failed. The recent US strikes in the Caribbean, combined with a buildup of military assets in the region, have fueled speculation that Washington may be preparing for a renewed effort to remove Maduro from power.
Analysts and regional leaders have been critical of the US designation, arguing that while individual officials may be involved in illicit schemes, attributing these actions to a centralized, hierarchical criminal enterprise is unfounded. The term ‘Cartel of the Suns’ originated in the 1990s as a media reference to alleged corruption among Venezuelan military officers who reportedly wore Sun-shaped insignia on their uniforms. In 2020, the US indicted Maduro and 14 current or former officials on accusations of drug trafficking and organized crime, claiming that they collectively ran the cartel. Despite these claims, skepticism remains regarding the existence of a unified criminal organization, with some suggesting the designation is part of a broader political strategy to destabilize Maduro’s government.