Rising Tensions: US Designates Venezuela's 'Cartel of the Suns' Terrorist Organization Amid Military Operations

Tensions with Venezuela escalated this week as Washington designated the so-called 'Cartel of the Suns' as a terrorist organization, significantly straining diplomatic relations further. In a Thanksgiving call with military personnel, US President Donald Trump hinted that operations against drug trafficking in Venezuela could include ground operations, although he refrained from disclosing detailed plans or execution strategies. Trump reported an 85% reduction in drug trafficking in areas of the Caribbean and Pacific where over 20 vessels were destroyed since September 1. He suggested that traffickers have started avoiding sea routes and implies a shift towards land-based operations. 'By land is easier, and that's going to start very soon,' Trump stated while underscoring the urgency of combating drug traffickers who he claims send deadly substances into the US, leading to thousands of American deaths each year. In a show of military might, the US deployed its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, along with five destroyers and two missile cruisers to the Caribbean on November 16. This deployment, characterized as the most substantial concentration of US warships in the Caribbean in decades, is aimed at conducting counternarcotics operations as part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking routes through the area. It also serves as a warning to the Venezuelan government, which the US accuses of facilitating drug cartels. The designation of the Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization links directly to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has faced longstanding accusations from US authorities of allowing high-ranking officials to engage in cocaine trafficking from South America to the US and Europe. This designation enables Washington to impose further sanctions and target the financial networks associated with this alleged cartel, although its existence has been publicly debated. Relations between the US and Venezuela have significantly soured following the disputed presidential election in July 2024, which many countries, including the US, did not recognize as legitimate. Instead, the US supports opposition leader Edmundo González as Venezuela's president-elect. Despite the turmoil, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab expressed an openness to dialogue, while Trump has indicated a willingness to engage Maduro in talks to prevent further loss of life. In response to the rising tensions, Maduro ordered the Venezuelan air force to be vigilant and ready to defend the country, expressing confidence in victory should armed conflict arise. During a recent military display, Venezuelan troops practiced intercepting mock aircraft invaders in front of state television cameras. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López issued criticisms towards foreign governments that facilitate what he termed 'imperialist games' by militarizing the Caribbean—though he did not name specific countries involved. Additionally, the escalating tensions have resulted in a crisis within Venezuela's air travel connectivity. The Venezuelan government recently revoked flight concessions for several airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Latam Colombia, and Gol, accusing them of participating in actions labeled as terrorism promoted by the US. As a result, operations at Maiquetia International Airport were severely disrupted, with only seven scheduled departures and arrivals on a recent Thursday. The International Air Transport Association has urged the Venezuelan government to reconsider the revocation of operating permits, while Iberia has expressed hope to resume flights as soon as security conditions allow. These revocations exacerbate Venezuela's isolation from global air travel networks, as numerous international flights have been suspended in recent years due to a combination of economic sanctions and operational challenges. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2