GOP Rep. Threatens Maduro Regime Over Designation Of Cartel De Los Soles' As Terrorist Organization: 'Allows Military Strikes'

Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez threatened the Maduro regime after the Trump administration announced it intends to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.

"Remember that designating the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization allows us to conduct military strikes within the U.S.'s legal framework. Don't say then that you weren't warned. There's little time left," Gimenez said in a social media publication.

"The order is given. It is really easy. Either you turn each other in or else," he added.

The Trump administration has given the Maduro regime seven days before officially designating it as a terrorist organization.

The Department of State said in a statement that the designation will go into effect on November 24, adding that the organization is "headed by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela's military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary."

It is the latest escalation in the Trump administration's pressure campaign against the regime. Last Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, which is aimed at targeting "narco-terrorists" and defend "our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people."

The publication has led to speculation about whether the administration will further escalate its actions in the region or is just putting a name to the operation, which has carried out at least 21 strikes against alleged drug vessels, killing more than 80 people.

Moreover, President Donald Trump was presented with an updated list of targets to strike Venezuela if he were to give the order, according to a new report.

CBS News detailed that senior military officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented Trump with the options, which include strikes on land. No final decision has been made, the outlet noted.

Trump said on Sunday he may hold talks with Maduro. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, he said the U.S. "may be having some discussions with Maduro," adding that "they would like to talk." He did not elaborate.

Asked if the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization will lead to more direct measures against Maduro, Trump said "it allows us to do that, but we haven't said we're going to do that."