On Tuesday, Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez confirmed that a vessel sunk by U.S. military forces in the Caribbean was linked to the Cártel de los Soles, an organization associated with Nicolás Maduro's regime and accused of operating as an arm of Venezuelan drug trafficking. "From the U.S. Congress, I can confirm that we have sunk a Cártel de los Soles ship from Venezuela carrying illegal drugs. We're on the right track. Let's keep it up," Giménez stated on X, with his message garnering over 70,000 views.
The Cuban-American congressman's statement came hours after former President Donald Trump announced that the attack resulted in 11 deaths, including members of the Tren de Aragua, another criminal group designated as terrorist by Washington. Trump emphasized that the operation, led by the Southern Command in international waters, serves as a "warning" to those attempting to smuggle narcotics into the United States.
Backing up this claim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio used his personal social media to assert that the operation targeted a "narco-terrorist" organization that departed from Venezuela with the U.S. as its destination.
Political Repercussions in Miami
Giménez's confirmation adds a new political dimension to an already volatile regional operation. By pinpointing the Cártel de los Soles, it highlights the role of high-ranking Venezuelan military officials accused of collaborating with drug trafficking and maintaining direct links with Maduro's regime.
Cuban-American lawmakers like María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart also praised the military action. Salazar emphasized a stance of "zero tolerance for terrorists, traffickers, and gang members," while Díaz-Balart extended gratitude to the U.S. troops, saying, "God bless our troops."
Giménez reiterated the need to keep pressure on what he described as "narco-terrorist networks operating from Venezuela," accusing Maduro's regime of "poisoning our communities with deadly drugs."
Escalating Tensions in the Caribbean
The attack on the Venezuelan vessel occurs amid escalating regional tensions. Washington has accused Caracas of being a haven and platform for international drug trafficking, while Maduro's government has repeatedly denied these accusations.
Confirmation that the sunken ship was part of the Cártel de los Soles could mark a new point of diplomatic and military friction in the Caribbean, reinforcing the Trump administration's narrative of directly confronting the allies and criminal structures of the Venezuelan regime.
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S. Military Actions Against Venezuelan Drug Cartels
What is the Cártel de los Soles?
The Cártel de los Soles is an organization allegedly linked to the Venezuelan military and the regime of Nicolás Maduro, accused of being involved in drug trafficking.
Why did the U.S. target this vessel?
The U.S. targeted the vessel because it was reportedly carrying illegal drugs and was linked to the Cártel de los Soles, a group involved in narcotic trafficking from Venezuela to the United States.
What was the outcome of the operation?
The operation resulted in the sinking of the vessel and the death of 11 individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua, another criminal organization.