Category World News

Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” will be labeled a “terrorist” organization (FTO) by the US.

On Monday, the administration of President Donald Trump will add the “cartel” to the list, which it claims is connected to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

However, the name of the organization isn’t actually a cartel; instead, it’s a frequent use of military personnel engaged in corruption and other illegal activities.

The move, which comes as the US builds a significant military presence in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, could provide legal protection for direct military action.

According to reports, Trump is considering what will be his next move in the country’s South. A strike on Venezuelan soil would significantly worsen the months-long US operation there, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people who have been killed while attempting to flee boats suspected of distributing drugs.

According to UN officials and scholars of international law, the strikes are in direct violation of US and international law and constitute extrajudicial executions.

Unnamed US officials told the Reuters news agency that Washington is gearing up for a new operation in the upcoming days.

The report stated that it was unclear whether Trump had made a final decision regarding the scope and exact timing of the new operations.

A senior administration official stated that Venezuela would not be subject to any exceptions.

According to two of the officials, covert operations would likely be Maduro’s first step in a new campaign, with options under consideration, including an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan leader.

Cartel de los Soles

In the 1990s, Venezuelans began referring to senior military officers who had become wealthy from drug-running with the name “Cartel de los Soles.”

The term was loosely used in place of police and government officials as well as activities like illegal mining and fuel trafficking as corruption expanded later across the country, first under the late President Hugo Chavez and then Maduro.

The “suns” in the name refer to the epaulettes that are adorned on military officers’ uniforms.

When the US Department of Justice in Trump’s first term announced the indictment of Venezuela’s leader and his inner circle on narcoterrorism and other charges, the umbrella term was changed to a rumored drug-trafficking organization allegedly led by Maduro in 2020.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, claims that Trump wants to overthrow him and that Venezuelans and military personnel will oppose any attempt.

However, Caracas is still under increased pressure due to the US campaign and concerns about potential military action.

Following a warning from the US aviation regulator about “heightened military activity,” six airlines canceled flights to Venezuela on Saturday.

The Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV) president, Marisela de Loaiza, announced that Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, and Brazil’s GOL had suspended their flights there.

Real Madrid drew 2-2 at Elche on Sunday, giving his side the lead in La Liga by a point, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s late strike.

In a fun contest that saw Madrid twice come from behind, Xabi Alonso’s side struggled against their bottom-placed foes.

Bellingham stabbed home from close range after Alvaro Rodriguez blasted Elche back in front before Aleix Febas fired the hosts ahead before Dean Huijsen equalized for the league leaders.

After defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-0 on Saturday in their first game back at Camp Nou, Barcelona extended their lead by two points over the weekend.

Rodrygo Goes received a rare start in the attack from Alonso, while Vinicius Junior was benched. Trent Alexander-Arnold received his first start since August, according to the coach.

Following his summer switch from Liverpool, the England international has not returned to form and had several injuries.

The midfielder sneaking in behind him to break the deadlock in the second half also contributed to Febas’ goal.

Elche establishes the mood.

Elche made a strong impression at the Martinez Valero stadium after his performance against Barcelona a few weeks ago.

After Hector Fort’s excellent save, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a fine save to deny Andre da Silva.

The forward was a victim of an unfortunate incident earlier that day at Real Madrid’s annual general meeting when Los Blancos accidentally displayed his picture in honor of former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, both of whom passed away in a car crash in July.

After the French forward broke through on goal and stopped the French superstar’s volley in Madrid’s best chance of the first half, former Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena denied Kylian Mbappe.

Elche’s smart move early in the second half gave Madrid the lead.

German Valera’s excellent backheel made it possible for Febas to cross the goal past Courtois and off the post while slipping behind Alexander-Arnold.

Vinicius Jr. and then-new signing Gonzalo Garcia were Alonso’s immediate substitutions. With his equalizer for Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold found some redemption.

A defender pushed his cross over the crossbar before turning the corner. Bellingham flicked it onto Huijsen’s path to a bash home after Alexander-Arnold whipped it in.

Rodriguez’s powerful drive from the edge of the box gave Elche the lead once more after Courtois was outshot.

However, Madrid equalized a second time three minutes later, with Mbappe only managing to keep the ball in for Bellingham to convert from point blank range.

The England midfielder was in the limelight at home earlier in the week after being offended by Thomas Tuchel, the coach of the national team.

Bellingham’s contribution to both Madrid goals, which showed his game-changing ability in the box despite his otherwise quiet performance, against Elche, was poor.