U.S. Targets Maduro, Cartel Finances in Security Council Warning

The United States told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday that it will intensify sanctions enforcement to strip Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the so-called Cartel of the Suns of financial and logistical resources, escalating pressure on Caracas amid growing geopolitical friction.

Addressing the council, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said transnational criminal and terrorist networks pose a direct security risk to the Western Hemisphere and accused Maduro’s government of playing a central role in narcotics trafficking and related illicit activity. He said Washington would enforce existing sanctions fully and continue maritime actions against vessels linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports.

Waltz cited recent U.S. naval and Coast Guard operations in the Caribbean, including the interception of multiple oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude in violation of sanctions. He said additional vessels are under investigation and warned that enforcement efforts would expand to financial channels, shipping insurers, and intermediaries facilitating the trade.

• US warns UN Security Council of tougher sanctions on Maduro and cartel networks
• Washington targets Venezuelan oil trade and financial channels to cut funding
• Security Council debate exposes deep divisions over Venezuela sanctions strategy

The United States has designated the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging that senior Venezuelan officials oversee large-scale drug trafficking operations moving cocaine toward North America and other regions. The Maduro government has rejected the accusations, calling them politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.

Russia and China criticized the U.S. position during the meeting, arguing that unilateral sanctions and maritime actions undermine international law and risk destabilizing Latin America. Both urged dialogue and restraint, warning against the use of pressure tactics outside multilateral frameworks.

Venezuela’s ambassador told the council there was no armed conflict or security threat that justified U.S. actions, accusing Washington of interventionism and economic warfare. He said Venezuela remained committed to sovereignty and international law.

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The meeting marked the second Security Council discussion on Venezuela this year, following a session requested by Caracas in October. The debate highlighted widening divisions among major powers as the United States presses its campaign to isolate Maduro diplomatically and disrupt what it says are criminal networks tied to his government.