"The United States ramped up pressure on Venezuela on Monday by designating the so-called "Cartel de los Soles" (Cartel of the Suns) group as a terrorist organization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month the US would announce the designation of the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States."
"The move is the latest confrontation between the two nations, as the US has carried out strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in international waters near Venezuela and openly called for Maduro's ouster. Washington's listing of the "Cartel de los Soles" would open the door to new forms of US pressure on leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro."
"Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hit back at the move, saying "Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization... to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela." US President Donald Trump's administration has alleged that the cartel is run by Maduro, something the Venezuelan government has repeatedly denied."
The United States designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States. The US has conducted strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats near Venezuela and has publicly called for President Nicolas Maduro's ouster. The designation enables Washington to pursue additional pressure and sanctions against Maduro's government. Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the designation, calling it a lie used to justify illegitimate intervention. The term 'Cartel de los Soles' refers to sun-like symbols on military uniforms and describes officials implicated in drug trafficking since the 1990s.
Read at www.dw.com
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