Why it matters:
The charge widens tensions as the U.S. ramps up military activity near Venezuela and designates the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, a step critics fear could pave the way for confrontation.
The big picture:
Washington alleges President Nicolas Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials run a narco-trafficking network.
Caracas and Havana insist the cartel does not exist and argue the U.S. is using the claim as a pretext for intervention and regime change.
U.S. deployments in the Caribbean have recently intensified, stirring regional concern.
What he is saying:
Bruno Rodríguez calls the U.S. accusations “baseless.”
He says the Cartel de los Soles is an American invention used to justify “violent actions” and potential military intervention.
He describes the terrorist designation as a plot by U.S. intelligence services.
He warns that Washington is returning to “gunboat diplomacy” in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key points:
- The U.S. Treasury has formally listed the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization.
- Venezuela rejects the move as a “shameful lie” designed to legitimize illegal intervention.
- Caracas says the true U.S. aim is control of Venezuelan oil reserves.
- Expanded U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean have resulted in more than 84 deaths.
- Observers worry the terrorist label could be used to justify a military strike.
Go deeper:
Maduro: U.S. Attack on Venezuela Would Be “Political Suicide” for Trump
M.Majdi - ahmad shirzadian
