The U.S. has formally designated the Venezuela-based criminal group known as the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO), according to a notice published on Monday (24 November) in the U.S. Federal Register.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially signed the designation, saying, “I hereby designate the aforementioned organisation and its respective aliases as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.”

While Rubio announced the move earlier this month, it officially took effect on Monday.

According to the U.S. State Department, the Cartel de los Soles, along with other designated FTOs including Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence across the Americas and for trafficking illicit drugs into the U.S. and Europe.

The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected the designation.

Foreign Minister Yvan Gil described the move as a “ridiculous fabrication” and said Caracas “categorically, firmly and absolutely rejects” the claim that the cartel exists. Gil accused Washington of attempting to justify “an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela.”

Tensions between the two countries have risen amid ongoing U.S. military operations in Latin America. Reports indicate that the U.S. has deployed Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones in the region, sparking speculation about a possible military confrontation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said that Venezuela is open to direct dialogue, with the U.S. President Trump indicating on Friday that he would hold talks with Maduro in the near future.

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