Venezuela Rejects US Terrorist Label for Alleged Drug Cartel

The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected a United States plan to designate the "Cartel de los Soles" as a terrorist organization. On Monday, Venezuelan officials called the US plan "ridiculous" and stated the cartel does not exist. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced earlier this month that the US would label the cartel a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The US alleges the group plays a major role in shipping illegal drugs into the country. The Trump administration claims the cartel consists of high-level Venezuelan officials and military officers. This formal designation allows the US to impose further sanctions and penalties. The Venezuelan government continues to deny all allegations.