US Labels Colombian Top Drug Cartel Gulf Clan as Terrorist Entity.

The American administration has formally classified the Gulf Clan, Colombia's most dominant and formidable criminal group, as a foreign terrorist organization.

This infamous narcotics-smuggling faction, with roots in far-right armed groups, is present in at least 20 of Colombia's provinces.

It dominates key people- and drug-smuggling routes through the notorious Darién Gap and has battled leftist rebels for control of criminal networks along the shared border.

Political Posturing

In the past few years, the group has sought to rebrand itself as a political force, akin to other Colombian rebel groups.

This strategy could grant it different conditions in any potential peace talks. However, it is largely not viewed to have tangible political objectives.

US Government Statement

In a recent statement, the US top diplomat labeled the Gulf Clan—which goes by the name the Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC)—as a "brutal and influential criminal organisation."

He stated it has "a membership in the thousands" and that its "primary source of income is cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its armed operations."

Broader Context

While other Colombian criminal groups have been listed as terrorist groups before, this decision is the first under the present US government.

This government has previously targeted six cartels in Mexico and two in Venezuela.

Growing Diplomatic Strain

The move is likely to exacerbate tensions between the US and Colombia's president, who strongly opposes the US policy against Venezuela.

This includes lethal military strikes on vessels that have reportedly killed scores of people in coastal waters.

The two leaders have exchanged sharp words for several weeks. After warning that any drug-producing country was a possible focus, the US president specifically mentioned Colombia, stating the Colombian leader "will face significant difficulties if he doesn't change course."

The Colombian president responded by warning his US counterpart to "avoid provoking a strong response" with threats of military action.

The "War on Drugs" Justification

The US has used its so-called war on drugs to justify the maritime attacks it alleges are transporting illicit cargo.

The Colombian president has described these attacks as "unlawful killing." Early on Tuesday, the US military announced it had carried out further attacks on three vessels near Colombia's Pacific coast, resulting in eight fatalities.

Other Listed Groups

Other Colombian criminal organisations have been on the US terror list for years.

• This encompasses the National Liberation Army (ELN).
• It also covers breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) that resumed fighting after the 2016 peace agreement.

Failed Weakening Attempts

Some authorities in Colombia had hoped the Gulf Clan might be weakened by the arrest and deportation of its main leader to the US in 2022.

On the contrary, the group unleashed a wave of violence, killing police officers and local leaders and keeping vast areas of the country in a state of fear.

Obstacle to Peace

The Gulf Clan is now engaged in fragile talks with the government. It is regarded as the key impediment to the president's struggling "total peace" plan, which aims to end the country's complex armed conflict.