The US government has formally designated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his alleged associates, including the Cartel de los Soles, as members of a foreign terrorist organization. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Venezuela, with the Trump administration accusing Maduro of leading a drug cartel that supports narco-terrorism. As the US ramps up military presence near Venezuela, including the deployment of bombers and naval fighters, officials are suggesting that these designations pave the way for potential military action. Critics in Venezuela claim that these accusations are politically motivated attempts to justify regime change. The implications of these designations on US-Venezuelan relations and regional stability are yet to be fully understood.