KABUL: Amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas, the U.S. Department of State has announced its intention to add Venezuela’s “Sun Cartel” to its list of “terrorist groups” within a week.
According to a statement from the department early today, the “Sun Cartel” is described as a criminal organization in Venezuela comprised of the country’s military elites, including high-ranking officials such as officers and generals of the National Guard.
The U.S. Department of State’s statement highlighted that this cartel, headquartered in Venezuela, is led by Nicolás Maduro and several senior officials of his illegitimate regime—individuals who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislative, and judicial institutions. Neither Maduro nor his associates represent the legitimate government of Venezuela.
The U.S. has claimed that the “Sun Cartel” is responsible for “terroristic” violence throughout the Americas and for drug trafficking within the country and into Europe.
So far, Caracas has not responded to Washington’s decision.
This move to label the “Sun Cartel” as a terrorist organization comes shortly after Nicolás Maduro stated that Caracas will not bow down to Washington.
U.S. to designate Venezuela’s “Sun Cartel” as Terrorist Organization
