Donald Trump has not ruled out taking military action against Venezuela, which would be a major escalation of the monthslong operation that has included a military buildup in the Caribbean.
https://p.dw.com/p/549Qq
CrimeUnited States of America
US deems Venezuela’s ‘Cartel de los Soles’ as terror group
John Silk with AP, AFP, Reuters
7 hours ago7 hours ago
Donald Trump has not ruled out taking military action against Venezuela, which would be a major escalation of the monthslong operation that has included a military buildup in the Caribbean.
https://p.dw.com/p/549Qq
Venezuelan defense chief Vladimir Padrino Lopez and President Nicolas Maduro at a military parade.
Venezuelan defense chief Vladimir Padrino Lopez and President Nicolas Maduro have been accused of leading the groupImage: Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo/picture alliance
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The United States ramped up pressure on Venezuela on Monday by designating the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” (Cartel of the Suns) group as a terrorist organization.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month the US would announce the designation of the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States.
The move is the latest confrontation between the two nations, as the US has carried out strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in international waters near Venezuela and openly called for Maduro’s ouster.
Washington’s listing of the “Cartel de los Soles” would open the door to new forms of US pressure on leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hit back at the move, saying “Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization… to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.”
US President Donald Trump’s administration has alleged that the cartel is run by Maduro, something the Venezuelan government has repeatedly denied.
