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The United States has added to its list the Gulf Clan, Colombia's most dominant and formidable criminal group, as a terrorist entity.

This notorious drug-trafficking militia, with roots in right-wing armed groups, is present in at least 20 of Colombia's regions.

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

Political Posturing

In recent years, the cartel has tried to portray itself as a political force, akin to other Colombian insurgent factions.

This strategy could secure it different conditions in any potential negotiations. However, it is largely not viewed to have genuine political objectives.

US Government Statement

In a recent statement, the US top diplomat described 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 violent activities."

Broader Context

While other Colombian criminal groups have been designated as terror entities before, this decision is the initial under the present US government.

This administration has previously targeted multiple syndicates in Mexico and two in Venezuela.

Escalating Tensions

The action is expected to heighten strains between the US and Colombia's president, who strongly opposes the US pressure campaign against Venezuela.

This includes deadly airstrikes on vessels that have allegedly killed numerous people in coastal waters.

The two presidents have traded public barbs for weeks. After implying that any narcotics-producing country was a potential target, the US president specifically mentioned Colombia, stating the Colombian leader "is going to have significant difficulties if he doesn't wise up."

The Colombian president retorted by cautioning his US counterpart to "not wake the jaguar" with militaristic threats.

The "War on Drugs" Justification

The US has cited its anti-narcotics campaign to explain the strikes on boats it alleges are transporting illicit cargo.

The Colombian president has labeled these operations as "unlawful killing." Recently, the US military stated it had carried out further attacks on three vessels near Colombia's Pacific coast, leading to eight fatalities.

Other Listed Groups

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 resumed fighting after the 2016 peace agreement.

Failed Weakening Attempts

Some Colombian officials had believed the Gulf Clan might be weakened by the capture and extradition of its main leader to the US in 2022.

On the contrary, the group initiated a wave of violence, killing police officers and local leaders and holding vast areas of the country hostage.

A Major Hurdle

The Gulf Clan is now involved in stalled talks with the government. It is regarded as the primary barrier to the president's stumbling "comprehensive peace" plan, which aims to end the country's multifaceted armed conflict.