• Venezuela strongly rejects the US designation of Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.
• The US claims the cartel, allegedly led by Maduro, is involved in drug trafficking.
• Venezuelan officials describe the US assertion as a "ridiculous lie" aimed at justifying intervention.
• Concerns arise over the potential implications of the designation for international relations.
• The US military presence near Venezuela has increased amid these tensions.

The Venezuelan government has categorically rejected the US designation of the "Cartel de los Soles" as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), labeling it a “ridiculous fabrication” aimed at justifying potential military intervention. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil criticized the plan, stating, "This new manoeuvre will meet the same fate as previous and recurring aggressions against our country: failure,” in response to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statements on the alleged cartel’s drug trafficking operations, according to SCMP.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading the cartel, asserting that it plays a key role in smuggling narcotics into both the US and Europe. The US has intensified military build-up near Venezuela, which has led to speculations about possible interventions. According to reports, the military activities are aimed at dismantling drug trafficking routes, with some military operations already resulting in fatalities, raising legal and ethical questions about their legitimacy, as noted by Le Monde and Anadolu Agency.

Additionally, experts suggested that the designation sends a broader message to US allies about engaging with Venezuela. Brian Phillips, a researcher at the University of Essex, explained that while the designation serves as a warning for countries regarding potential sanctions for supporting Venezuela, it remains to be seen how other nations will respond to this categorization, indicated by both SCMP and Anadolu Agency.

The implications of the US designation could extend beyond Venezuela, leading to financial and trade complications for any foreign entities that engage with the country. The US Treasury has already imposed sanctions aimed at freezing the cartel's assets and restricting transactions, which complicates international business dealings with Venezuela. This broad strategy to isolate Venezuela economically seems to be part of a larger campaign against its government, highlighted by Le Monde and Anadolu Agency.