The United States has officially designated the Los Soles cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the US Treasury Department reports, Reuters reports.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that Washington views the Los Soles cartel as a structure involved in the illegal trafficking of drugs into the United States. US authorities claim that the group includes high-ranking members of Venezuelan security forces, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is accused of leading the network.

Caracas sharply condemned Washington's actions. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil called the decision a ridiculous fabrication, declaring that Los Soles does not exist and that the accusations are aimed at justifying attempts at regime change. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry emphasized that such US policy is doomed to failure.

Experts note that, despite the organization's designation as a terrorist organization, US law does not automatically allow this designation to be used as grounds for military action. However, this step increases pressure on Caracas: the sanctions freeze the assets of suspected group members in the US, and prohibit American citizens from engaging in any transactions with the group.

On November 23, Reuters reported that the United States was preparing to launch a new phase of operations against Venezuela in the coming days. According to sources, the administration of US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on the Maduro government, considering options for overthrowing it.