US Sanctions Maduro-Linked Venezuelan 'Cartel Of The Suns' As Terrorist Entity

The U.S. Treasury Department designated Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. This designation accuses President Maduro and his regime of leading the cartel and supporting drug cartels threatening U.S. security. The action blocks the cartel's property in the U.S. and prohibits Americans from transactions with it. Treasury officials state the cartel operates from Venezuela, facilitating narcotics trafficking into the U.S. Washington accuses the cartel of supporting the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua, both already on U.S. terrorist lists. The Venezuelan government has previously dismissed U.S. sanctions as illegitimate. This action is part of a broader campaign to isolate Maduro, accused of narco-terrorism since Trump's presidency. U.S. prosecutors indicted Maduro on drug trafficking charges in 2020, offering a reward for his capture. The U.S. has also increased sanctions and immigration restrictions on Venezuelans due to security concerns.