Yesterday (November 24), Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil took to social media to blast the U.S. Department of State's decision to label the Cartel de los Soles – a group Caracas calls "nonexistent" – as a terrorist organization. The government called it a "vile lie" aimed at justifying an "illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela."
The clash started after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on November 16 that the Cartel de los Soles would be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective November 24. Caracas slammed the timing and motives, accusing Washington of using counter-narcotics rhetoric as a cover for geopolitical pressure.🔥
Since early September, U.S. forces have sunk over 20 vessels suspected of drug trafficking, leading to more than 80 deaths. While the U.S. frames these operations as part of a broader fight against drug networks, Venezuelan officials see them as aggressive tactics to destabilize the nation.
As tensions rise, Venezuelans are keeping a close eye on how this diplomatic standoff unfolds. Will both sides dial down the rhetoric, or is this just the start of a bigger clash? 🤔
Reference(s):
Venezuela rejects U.S. 'terrorist' designation of 'nonexistent' cartel
cgtn.com
