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The American administration has formally classified the Gulf Clan, the nation's largest and most powerful illegal armed group, as a terrorist entity.

This infamous drug-trafficking faction, with origins in right-wing paramilitary forces, operates in at least 20 of Colombia's departments.

It monopolizes key human and narcotics trafficking 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 cartel has tried to portray itself as a political force, like other Colombian insurgent factions.

This maneuver could secure it more favorable terms in any potential negotiations. However, it is generally not seen to have genuine political aims.

US Government Statement

In a Tuesday's statement, the US secretary of state 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 noted 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 designated as terror entities before, this ruling is the first under the present US government.

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

Escalating Tensions

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

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

The two presidents have traded public barbs for several weeks. After warning that any drug-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 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 anti-narcotics campaign to explain 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 conducted further attacks 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 a long time.

• 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 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, assassinating police officers and local leaders and holding large swaths of the country in a state of fear.

A Major Hurdle

The Gulf Clan is now engaged in halting talks with the government. It is seen as the primary barrier to the president's struggling "comprehensive peace" plan, which aims to end the country's complex armed conflict.