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

This notorious drug-trafficking faction, with roots in far-right paramilitary forces, is present in at least 20 of Colombia's provinces.

It monopolizes key human and narcotics trafficking routes through the treacherous Darién Gap and has battled leftwing rebels for control of criminal networks along the shared border.

A Political Facade?

In recent years, the group has attempted to present itself as a political movement, akin to other Colombian insurgent factions.

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

Official US Stance

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 "violent and powerful criminal organisation."

He stated it has "thousands of members" and that its "main revenue stream is cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its violent activities."

Wider Implications

While other Colombian armed factions have been listed as terrorist groups before, this designation is the initial under the current administration.

This government has already designated multiple syndicates in Mexico and a pair in Venezuela.

Growing Diplomatic Strain

The move is expected to heighten tensions between the US and Colombia's president, who has vocally criticized the US pressure campaign against Venezuela.

This includes deadly airstrikes on vessels that have reportedly killed scores of people in coastal waters.

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

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

The "War on Drugs" Justification

The US has cited its war on drugs to justify the maritime attacks it claims are ferrying drug shipments.

The Colombian president has described these operations as "murder." Early on Tuesday, the US military stated it had conducted further attacks on three vessels near Colombia's Pacific coast, resulting in eight fatalities.

Other Listed Groups

Other Colombian armed groups have been on the US terror list for a long time.

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

Unsuccessful Strategies

Some authorities in Colombia had believed the Gulf Clan might be weakened by the capture and extradition of its top commander 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 halting talks with the government. It is seen as the primary barrier to the president's stumbling "total peace" plan, which aims to end the country's multifaceted armed conflict.