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The US government has officially designated the Gulf Clan, Colombia's largest and most powerful criminal group, as a terrorist entity.

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

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

Political Posturing

In recent years, the cartel has sought to rebrand itself as a political movement, similar to other Colombian rebel groups.

This maneuver could grant it more favorable terms in any potential negotiations. However, it is not widely considered to have tangible political aims.

Official US Stance

In a Tuesday's announcement, the US top diplomat described 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 "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 current administration.

This government has previously targeted multiple syndicates in Mexico and a pair in Venezuela.

Escalating Tensions

The decision is set to worsen strains between the US and Colombia's president, who strongly opposes the US policy against Venezuela.

This encompasses deadly airstrikes on vessels that have reportedly killed scores of people in Pacific and Caribbean waters.

The two leaders 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 "will face himself some big problems if he doesn't wise up."

The Colombian president responded by warning 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 justify the maritime attacks it alleges are transporting illicit cargo.

The Colombian president has described these operations as "murder." Recently, the US military announced it had carried out new strikes on three vessels near Colombia's Pacific coast, leading to eight fatalities.

Previous Designations

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 took up arms again after the landmark peace agreement.

Unsuccessful Strategies

Some Colombian officials had hoped 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 unleashed a wave of violence, assassinating police officers and local leaders and holding vast areas of the country in a state of fear.

A Major Hurdle

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