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The American administration has officially designated the Gulf Clan, the nation's largest and most powerful criminal organization, as a terrorist entity.

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

It dominates key people- and drug-smuggling routes through the treacherous Darién Gap and has fought leftwing rebels for control of illicit operations along the shared border.

Political Posturing

In the past few years, the organization has attempted to present itself as a political movement, like other Colombian insurgent factions.

This maneuver could secure it different conditions in any potential peace talks. However, it is largely not viewed to have genuine political aims.

US Government Statement

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

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

Broader Context

While other Colombian armed factions have been designated as terror entities before, this ruling is the initial under the present US government.

This government has already designated six cartels in Mexico and a pair in Venezuela.

Growing Diplomatic Strain

The action is set to worsen strains between the US and Colombia's president, who has vocally criticized the US policy against Venezuela.

This encompasses lethal military strikes on vessels that have reportedly killed numerous people in Pacific and Caribbean waters.

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

The Colombian president retorted by warning his US counterpart to "not wake the jaguar" 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 labeled these operations as "murder." Early on Tuesday, the US military announced it had conducted new strikes on three vessels near Colombia's Pacific coast, resulting in eight fatalities.

Previous Designations

Other Colombian armed groups have been on the US terror list for years.

• This encompasses the National Liberation Army (ELN).
• It also includes dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) that took up arms again after the landmark peace agreement.

Failed Weakening Attempts

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

Instead, the group unleashed a wave of violence, killing police officers and local leaders and keeping large swaths of the country hostage.

A Major Hurdle

The Gulf Clan is now engaged in stalled talks with the government. It is seen as the main obstacle to the president's stumbling "total peace" plan, which aims to end the country's multifaceted armed conflict.