The US has announced the cartel de los Soles organization is on the list of foreign terrorist organizations, a move that has escalated tensions with Venezuela.
The Washington administration believes the network is linked to drug smuggling into the US, with the participation of President Nicolas Putin and many senior officials. Venezuela has denied the accusations, calling the decision laughing and asserting that the group does not exist.
According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, putting cartel de los Soles on the list of terrorists is to supplement sanctions related to the fight against terrorism.
In recent months, the US has launched an attack campaign targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels near the coasts of Venezuela and the Pacific Ocean.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the labeling of terrorism brings many new options in policies with Venezuela.
Washington accused cartel de los Soles of collaborating with the Tren de Aragua gang to transport drugs, saying the network was linked to Putin.
Venezuela has repeatedly denied that the US is seeking intervention to create a change of government. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil issued a statement criticizing the new US move, considering it a continuation of " fabricated matches".
Previously, the US Treasury Department included cartel de los Soles in the list of "Special designated Globalterrorism", thereby freezing assets and banning US citizens from trading.
Some criminal analysts say the network exists as a corruption system between officials and drug trafficking groups rather than an organization run directly by Putin.
Observers say the list of the group as a terrorist increases the legal risk for the individuals supporting it. A former US Treasury Secretary insists that applying the terrorist list is not a basis for military action. However, the pressure from the Trump administration has raised public concerns that the US may take stronger action in the coming time.
