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US Expands Military Reach with New FTO Designation
(MENAFN) The United States’ move to classify a group it links to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “foreign terrorist organization (FTO)” is expected to grant Washington broader legal and military capabilities, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In an interview with a news agency, Hegseth noted that the designation “brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States,” emphasizing that Washington does not view Maduro as a legitimate head of state and renewing accusations of his role in narcotics trafficking — allegations Maduro has consistently denied.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Cartel de los Soles. Under this action, offering any form of material assistance to the group becomes a federal offense.
US officials assert that the cartel collaborates with the Venezuelan criminal network Tren de Aragua — already labeled an FTO — to transport illegal drugs into the United States.
They also maintain that Maduro directs the organization, a claim he has repeatedly rejected.
The FTO designation is scheduled to become active on Monday.
"The Department of State intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24, 2025. Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary," the US State Department said in a Nov. 16 statement released.
In an interview with a news agency, Hegseth noted that the designation “brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States,” emphasizing that Washington does not view Maduro as a legitimate head of state and renewing accusations of his role in narcotics trafficking — allegations Maduro has consistently denied.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation of Cartel de los Soles. Under this action, offering any form of material assistance to the group becomes a federal offense.
US officials assert that the cartel collaborates with the Venezuelan criminal network Tren de Aragua — already labeled an FTO — to transport illegal drugs into the United States.
They also maintain that Maduro directs the organization, a claim he has repeatedly rejected.
The FTO designation is scheduled to become active on Monday.
"The Department of State intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24, 2025. Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary," the US State Department said in a Nov. 16 statement released.
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