Abinader designates Cartel de los Soles as terrorist organization

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has officially designated the armed group Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, through decree 500-25 issued on September 2, 2025. He instructed the country’s intelligence and security agencies to take measures to prevent the group’s incursions into Dominican territory or against national interests abroad.

The Cartel de los Soles has been linked by the United States government to the Venezuelan state led by Nicolás Maduro, although the Dominican decree does not directly mention the Venezuelan president. The decision is framed within the Dominican Constitution, which prioritizes the fight against transnational criminal activities that threaten national and regional stability, peace, and security.

Additionally, the decree mandates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform international organizations and the Dominican Republic’s strategic partners about this designation. It also calls for coordination with multilateral bodies to promote sanctions and cooperative actions against the group, in alignment with international law.