US Escalates Pressure on Venezuela, Designates 'Cartel de los Soles' as Terrorist Group

WASHINGTON – The United States is initiating a new phase of operations against Venezuela in the coming days, with the potential objective of toppling the government of President Nicolás Maduro, according to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. This development marks a significant escalation in Washington's efforts to challenge Maduro's rule, amidst a growing military presence in the Caribbean. Covert operations are expected to be the initial step in this new strategy, with discussions including options aimed at removing Maduro from power.In a related move, the Trump administration officially designated the "Cartel de los Soles" as a foreign terrorist organization today, November 24, 2025. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated last week that this designation "brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States," potentially allowing for strikes against Maduro's assets and infrastructure. Washington has long accused Maduro of leading the group, which it claims is involved in smuggling illegal drugs into the U.S., an accusation Maduro denies.The heightened tensions have also impacted air travel, with six international airlines suspending all flights to Venezuela following a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning. The FAA cited a "potentially hazardous situation" over Venezuelan airspace, cautioning airlines about the presence of advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching civil aircraft altitudes. This warning prompted several carriers to cancel services, further isolating the South American nation.The U.S. military has maintained a significant presence in the Caribbean for months, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group arriving in the region on November 16. While the Pentagon states these forces are focused on counter-narcotics missions, the scale of the deployment has raised concerns about a potential confrontation. President Maduro has consistently accused the U.S. of seeking his removal and has stated that Venezuelan citizens and military are prepared to resist any foreign attempt to unseat him.