US to label Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as terrorists | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Cartel de los Soles: Alleged criminal organization in Venezuela, accused of drug trafficking and illegal mining, which the US claims is headed by President Nicolas Maduro.
• Terrorist Organization Designation: The US intention to label Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, which would grant the US more powers to target individuals and assets associated with it.
• Military Pressure Campaign: The US deployment of significant military assets to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, conducting strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels, which observers believe is also aimed at pressuring President Maduro.
• Narcotics Trafficking: The illegal trade of drugs, a primary accusation against the vessels targeted by US military operations.
• Diplomatic Talks: The possibility of negotiations between the US and President Nicolas Maduro, with Trump expressing openness to such discussions.

US Intention to Designate Cartel de los Soles as a Terrorist Organization

The United States has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan criminal group, Cartel de los Soles, as a terrorist organization. This move, slated for November 24th, is significant because it would empower the US to potentially target individuals and infrastructure associated with the group. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has alleged that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro heads this cartel, a claim that Maduro vehemently denies.

US Military Operations and Allegations

This declaration follows a series of US military actions in international waters. The US has stated it carried out an attack on a boat in the Eastern Pacific, alleging it was carrying drugs and resulting in the deaths of three individuals. US Defense Secretary Pete Hexith claimed the vessel was involved in narcotics trafficking. Over the past few weeks, the US has conducted nearly two dozen such strikes, resulting in the deaths of over 80 people. However, the Pentagon has not yet publicly presented evidence to substantiate that those killed were indeed drug traffickers.

Context and Observer Perspectives on Military Buildup

Ioni Wells, a South America correspondent, highlights the context of these actions. The US has been conducting a military campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, striking at least 21 vessels and killing at least 83 people, all of whom are alleged to be involved in drug trafficking. Simultaneously, the US has deployed its largest military presence in decades to the Caribbean, including the world's largest warship, in and around Venezuela's coasts.

Many observers view this military buildup as excessive if the sole aim is to target small vessels, a task typically handled by coast guards. Consequently, many believe this military pressure is not solely about combating alleged drug trafficking but is also intended to exert pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to step down, or to encourage his close allies, particularly within the military, to oust him. This military pressure has been escalating over the last couple of weeks.

Implications of the Terrorist Designation

The designation of Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization on November 24th would grant the US enhanced powers. By their own definition, this would allow the US to view individuals like Nicolas Maduro, whom they allege heads the organization, as potential targets under their broader crackdown on alleged drug trafficking. This designation would enable the US to target not only Maduro but also members of his inner circle who are allegedly part of this criminal organization.

Potential for Diplomatic Talks

Despite the escalating military pressure and the impending designation, President Trump has indicated openness to talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He stated, "We may be discussing we may be having some discussions with Maduro and we'll see how that turns out. They would like they would like to talk." This suggests a dual approach from the US: applying significant pressure while leaving the door open for negotiation. The US appears to be signaling a desire for Maduro to engage in negotiations, with the threat of further military action and the terrorist designation looming if he does not.

Conclusion

The US is employing a strategy of significant military pressure and a potential terrorist designation against the alleged Cartel de los Soles, which it claims is led by Nicolas Maduro. This is occurring concurrently with an openness to diplomatic discussions with the Venezuelan President. The effectiveness of this dual approach in achieving US objectives, whether it be Maduro's resignation or a negotiated settlement, remains to be seen.