The Trump administration has significantly escalated its pressure on Venezuela by designating President Nicolás Maduro and his government allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, a move that grants expanded authority to take action against the South American nation starting Monday.
Expanded Military Authorization
The designation of "Cartel de los Sols" as a foreign terrorist organization will empower President Donald Trump to impose fresh sanctions specifically targeting Maduro's personal assets and critical infrastructure. While legal experts clarify that this designation doesn't explicitly authorize the use of lethal force, administration officials have been arguing that it provides the United States with expanded military options for conducting strikes inside Venezuelan territory.
According to experts familiar with the situation, Cartel de los Sols describes a decentralized network of Venezuelan groups operating within the country's armed forces that have been linked to international drug trafficking operations. The Venezuelan president has consistently denied any personal involvement in drug trafficking, and his government has repeatedly rejected the existence of the alleged cartel.
Military Buildup in the Region
The November 16 designation coincides with substantial US military movements in the region. The Pentagon has deployed more than a dozen warships and approximately 15,000 troops as part of what it has branded "Operation Southern Spear." The US military has already reported killing dozens of people in boat strikes as part of its ongoing anti-drug-trafficking campaign.
President Trump has received comprehensive briefings from top officials regarding various options for action inside Venezuela, including potential strikes on military or government facilities and special operations raids. However, the option of taking no military action remains under consideration.
Domestic and International Reactions
Public opinion in the United States shows significant opposition to military involvement in Venezuela. A CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday revealed that 70% of Americans oppose the US taking military action in Venezuela, compared with only 30% who favor such action. Additionally, 76% of respondents believe the Trump administration has not clearly explained the US position on potential military intervention.
The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected the terrorist organization designation, calling it a "ridiculous fabrication" in an official statement. "This new maneuver will follow the same fate as previous and recurring aggressions against our country: failure," the statement continued.
Despite the hardened positions, Trump has expressed some openness to diplomatic resolution, noting last week that Maduro "would like to talk" and suggesting he would be open to speaking with the Venezuelan leader "at a certain time."
Meanwhile, senior US military leadership including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and his senior enlisted adviser, David Isom, will visit Puerto Rico on Monday to thank service members supporting missions in the Caribbean Sea.
