Venezuela rejects U.S. 'terrorist' designation of 'nonexistent' cartel

The Venezuelan government on Monday rejected U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's designation of the "nonexistent" Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.

In a statement shared on social media by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, the government condemned the move as a "vile lie," accusing the United States of using it as a pretext to justify an "illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela."

The statement called on the U.S. government to correct its policy of aggression and threats, emphasizing that the Venezuelan people will know how to protect peace and the nation's highest interests.

On November 16, Rubio announced that the U.S. Department of State plans to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective on November 24.

Since early September, U.S. forces have sunk over 20 alleged drug-trafficking boats, resulting in more than 80 deaths. Washington framed the operations as counter-narcotics measures, while Caracas claimed they are geopolitical pressure tactics aimed at destabilizing the country.

(With input from Xinhua)

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