The United States Department of State has announced its intention to designate the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24.

The move signals Washington’s sharp escalation against what it describes as a narco-terrorist network operating under the control of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and senior members of his regime.

According to the State Department, the cartel is led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials of what Washington calls the “illegitimate Maduro regime.” US officials say the group has deeply infiltrated and corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature and judiciary structures, while providing support to violent criminal organisations across the region.

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