The US government has officially classified the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Allegations assert that this group is orchestrated by members of the Venezuelan military and possibly led by President Nicolás Maduro along with key figures from his administration. This designation grants US law enforcement enhanced capabilities to take action against the cartel.
Implications of the Designation
The labeling of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist entity enables the US to intensify its efforts against what it describes as a corrupt structure deeply embedded within Venezuela. Recent actions are part of a broader strategy by the US aimed at applying pressure on Maduro’s government, which they claim is illegitimate following a contested election in 2022.
Reactions from Venezuela
In response, Venezuelan officials have vehemently denied these accusations. The Foreign Ministry described the US designation as a “ridiculous lie,” while Diosdado Cabello, the Interior and Justice Minister, labeled it an “invention.” Cabello suggested that such declarations are merely tactics used by US officials against perceived adversaries.
Historical Context of Cartel de los Soles
The term “Cartel de los Soles,” which translates to “Cartel of the Suns,” originated in the early 1990s. It was initially used by Venezuelan media to identify high-ranking military officials accused of drug trafficking. The term references the sun-shaped insignia worn by generals, signifying their rank within the military.
- Origins: Emerged in the early 1990s amid drug-trafficking scandals.
- Activities: Roots trace back to the late 1980s as Colombia’s Medellín Cartel was declining.
- Growth: Expanded during Hugo Chávez’s presidency from 1999 to 2013.
Experts suggest that the Cartel de los Soles functions differently from traditional drug cartels, lacking a formal structure. Instead, it represents widespread corruption throughout various levels of Venezuela’s government, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis.
Key Players and Allegations
US authorities contend that the cartel’s influence reaches the highest echelons of the Maduro administration. In 2020, the Department of Justice implicated Maduro and 14 other officials in a conspiracy involving cocaine trafficking from Colombia to the United States. Notable figures include:
- Nicolás Maduro – President of Venezuela.
- Diosdado Cabello – Interior Minister.
- Hugo Carvajal – Former military intelligence head, recently pleaded guilty to drug charges.
- Clíver Alcalá – Former General who admitted to collaborating with drug-traffickers.
The US government has offered substantial rewards for information on Maduro and Cabello, reaching up to $50 million for Maduro and $25 million for Cabello.
International Perspective
Reactions from neighboring countries reflect a division in perspectives regarding the Cartel de los Soles. Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia, characterized the cartel as a fictional creation used by right-wing factions to undermine non-compliant governments. However, US officials maintain that the cartel’s operations have infiltrated Venezuelan society at multiple levels.
As the situation develops, the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization signifies a pivotal moment in US-Venezuela relations, further complicating an already tense geopolitical landscape.
