Trump floats fresh Venezuela talks as US labels Maduro a terrorist

The US plans to designate a Venezuelan drug cartel Washington alleges is led by Nicolas Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization, even as President Trump said Sunday that talks with the government may still be possible.

The designation, set to take effect Nov. 24, would broaden the legal basis for more aggressive action as the US builds up military assets in the Caribbean following months of deadly boat strikes.

Trump told reporters Sunday he hasn't decided on next steps, but said the Venezuelan government "wants to talk."


"We may be having some discussions with Maduro and we'll see how that turns out," he said as he departed Florida for Washington. The move follows a more than two-month campaign of lethal US attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific that have killed about 80 people. The latest strike, on Saturday, killed three, according to US Southern Command.

The designation would bar members of the Cartel de los Soles from entering the US, allow authorities to seize its assets, and criminalize any support for the group.

"Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela's military, intelligence, legislature and judiciary," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. "Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela's legitimate government."