In an unprecedented statement to the United Nations Security Council, U.S. Political Advisor John Kelley announced that the Trump Administration has decided to designate the Cartel de los Soles and Tren de Aragua as terrorist organizations, marking a new phase in the U.S. national security strategy against transnational organized crime.
“President Trump has been clear: he will use all of America’s power and all of the strength of the United States to eradicate the cartels, no matter where they operate or how long they have acted with impunity,” Kelley stated during his remarks.
A Doctrinal Shift: From Drug Trafficking to Terrorism
The declaration marks a structural change in U.S. defense doctrine. According to Kelley, the cartels flooding U.S. streets with cocaine, fentanyl, and other drugs are “terrorizing America,” and will be treated as non-state armed groups with paramilitary capabilities, transnational financing, and terrorist operations.
“These organizations are armed, well-organized, and possess technical sophistication and financial resources. They have committed acts that constitute an armed attack against the United States,” he asserted.
Legal Basis: Article 51 of the UN Charter
Kelley explained that, based on the cumulative effects of these attacks, the United States has determined that it is in a non-international armed conflict with these groups and will act in exercise of its right to self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The Department of Defense—newly renamed “Department of War”—is authorized to conduct limited military operations aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting U.S. citizens.
“Although the operations have been limited in scope, U.S. forces are ready to act again if necessary to eliminate the threat,” Kelley warned.
Maduro, “Fugitive and Head of a Cartel”
The declaration included a direct statement regarding Venezuela: The United States does not recognize Nicolás Maduro or his entourage as a legitimate government and accuses him of being the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, an organization linked to drug trafficking and large-scale money laundering operations.
“Maduro is a fugitive from U.S. justice and heads the violent Cartel de los Soles. The actions of his regime represent an extraordinary threat to the region and to the national security of the United States,” Kelley remarked.
Hemispheric Coordination
Washington thanked Western Hemisphere countries that have responded to its call to designate Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles as terrorist organizations, recognizing the destabilizing impact of their operations in Latin America.
Regional Implications
The announcement elevates the U.S. response to a new phase of confrontation with organized crime allied with authoritarian regimes. Under this doctrine, criminal networks linked to chavismo and Nicolás Maduro’s regime could be targeted by preventive military actions, asset freezes, and international prosecution.
John Kelley’s message clearly indicates that the United States considers the operations of the Cartel de los Soles and Tren de Aragua as a direct aggression against its population and its allies.
Washington, he assured, “will not hesitate to act to protect Americans from narco-terrorists.”