Venezuela's Maduro denounced as drug-trafficking, terrorism-supporting ruler, posing a threat to the U.S., a year after contentious election by Rubio

The Trump administration has intensified its pressure against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, with the Treasury Department designating the Cartel de los Soles as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" in 2020. This move comes in response to allegations that the cartel, known for its sun insignias often portrayed on the uniforms of Venezuelan military officials, has been facilitating narco-terrorism through terrorist groups like Cartel de los Soles and the Sinaloa Cartel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been vocal in his criticism of Maduro, accusing him of being the leader of the designated narco-terrorist organisation. Rubio also claimed that Maduro and his cronies have manipulated Venezuela's electoral system to maintain their illegitimate grip on power.

The cartel is accused of supporting Tren de Aragua in carrying out its objective of using illegal narcotics as a weapon against the United States. In March 2020, the Justice Department charged Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials with narco-terrorism, corruption, drug trafficking, and other criminal charges.

The Treasury Department plans to continue executing on President Trump's pledge to crack down on violent organisations including Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and their facilitators, like Cartel de los Soles. The department accuses the cartel of corrupting various institutions of the Venezuelan government, including parts of the military, intelligence apparatus, legislature, and judiciary.

Meanwhile, the municipal elections in Venezuela are happening one day before the one-year anniversary of the presidential election, which was widely condemned as illegitimate. Rubio stated that by scheduling the municipal elections on the eve of the anniversary, the regime aims to suppress the will of the Venezuelan people. He has also stated that Maduro is not the President of Venezuela and his regime is not the legitimate government.

The State Department increased its reward for information leading to Maduro's capture from $15 million to up to $25 million at the start of this year. The U.S. alleges that Cartel de los Soles is headed by Maduro and other high-ranking individuals in his regime. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Maduro of being the leader of an entity aiding terrorism against the U.S.

The designation of Cartel de los Soles as a global terrorist organisation marks a significant escalation in the U.S.'s efforts to combat the illegal activities of Maduro and his regime. The U.S. continues to call for free and fair elections in Venezuela and the restoration of democracy in the country.

Venezuela's Maduro denounced as drug-trafficking, terrorism-supporting ruler, posing a threat to the U.S., a year after contentious election by Rubio