The United States increased pressure on Venezuela over the weekend, saying it will designate Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization — a move President Donald Trump suggested could allow the U.S. to target certain assets and infrastructure in the country.

The U.S. alleges the cartel is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials, and the announcement was yet another sign of tensions between the countries as Trump weighs potential military options. Advertisement

“Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government,” the State Department said in a press release. “Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our

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