Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Trump Administration Designates Maduro as Terrorist: Oil, Hypocrisy, and War Fears

Beginning Monday, the Trump administration was set to gain expanded authority to take action against Venezuela by designating the Venezuelan government as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation, focused on the “Cartel de los Soles,” allows for sanctions against Maduro’s assets and infrastructure, potentially expanding military options. Concurrently, the US military has increased its presence in the region with numerous warships and troops, as officials discuss various action options. Despite this, a recent poll indicates significant public opposition to US military intervention in Venezuela, while the administration claims its focus is on combating illegal activities with regime change as a potential side effect.

Read More

Trump Labels Latin American Cartels Terrorist Organizations: Fears of War and Reprisal

Eight Latin American drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have been officially designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by the Trump administration, a move announced Wednesday and to be published Thursday. This designation, enabled by a January 2020 executive order, utilizes a label typically reserved for politically motivated groups, but the administration justifies it based on the cartels’ transnational operations, including drug and human trafficking, and violent territorial expansion. Critics express concern that this broad label could negatively impact U.S.-Latin American relations and trade due to the potential for unintended legal repercussions for businesses. Mexico has affirmed its commitment to combating cartels within its own borders while maintaining its sovereignty.

Read More