Venezuela Calls US 'Narco‑Terrorism' Claims "Ridiculous Hogwash" as Fears of Intervention Grow

Venezuelan authorities have vehemently rejected US allegations that the government in Caracas sponsors "narco‑terrorism," calling the charges "ridiculous hogwash" and a pretext for pressure or even regime change.

On Monday, the Trump administration formally designated a Venezuelan network referred to as the "Cartel de los Soles" (Cartel of the Suns) as a terrorist organisation. The designation has renewed debate because many analysts and regional observers remain sceptical about whether such a centralised organisation in fact exists.

Escalating Tensions

US officials say the designation is part of a broader campaign against South American drug trafficking that has intensified over the past four months. Washington has also deployed a significant naval force off Venezuela's northern coast and carried out strikes on vessels it says were transporting narcotics through the Caribbean.

Critics argue these steps — including naming the alleged cartel and deploying military assets — risk being used to justify more intrusive actions aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro. Caracas dismissed the designation as "a despicable lie" and "slander," saying it was created to rationalise "an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela in the classic US regime‑change format."

Regional and International Reactions

The arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean in mid‑November heightened speculation that military planners were preparing options for action inside Venezuela. In an open letter, several left‑wing European figures — including Jeremy Corbyn, Yanis Varoufakis and Richard Burgon — warned of "the imminent threat of US military intervention in Venezuela," arguing that past US operations tied to the "war on drugs" had caused significant destabilisation across the region.

Some European governments are reportedly cautious about future unilateral strikes and have curbed intelligence-sharing with the United States. Meanwhile, a number of US officials have indicated various operational options are under consideration, including non‑military and military measures; however, no final decision has been announced.

Impact on Civilian Life

Rising tensions and warnings from aviation authorities about "heightened military activity in or around Venezuela" prompted at least six major international carriers to suspend or cancel flights into and out of Caracas. Affected airlines included TAP (Portugal), Iberia (Spain), Avianca (Colombia), Gol (Brazil), Latam and Turkish Airlines; Venezuelan airlines and Panama's Copa continued operating.

"If the US launches a military intervention in Venezuela, it would mark the first interstate war by the United States in South America," the European signatories warned, stressing the humanitarian and political risks of escalation.

As diplomatic and military signals continue to shift, analysts warn the situation remains fragile. Observers urge transparent dialogue and regional engagement to prevent further destabilisation and protect civilians from the consequences of any escalation.