‘Ridiculous lie’ – Venezuela rejects US terrorist designation

Venezuela has described as a ridiculous lie a United States terrorist designation of an alleged drug cartel following a major American military buildup in Caribbean waters.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this rejection in a statement on Monday.

“Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organisation… to justify an illegitimate and illegal intervention against Venezuela,” the Ministry said.

DAILY POST reports that Washington’s listing of the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organisation officially took effect on Monday, opening the door to new forms of US pressure on leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

According to the US, the shadowy group is run by Maduro.

The designation said to is part of a US campaign against drugs and illegal immigration from Latin America.

The US has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier and other military forces in Caribbean waters as part of the Trump administration’s anti-drug campaign.

US forces have also reportedly killed no fewer than 83 people in air strikes on boats accused of ferrying drugs in international waters since September.

However, with a major military presence now deployed in the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier, the designation is said to be giving legal cover for more pressure on the Venezuelan authorities.

‘Ridiculous lie’ – Venezuela rejects US terrorist designation