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The American administration has added to its list the Gulf Clan, the nation's largest and most powerful illegal armed organization, as a foreign terrorist organization.

This infamous drug-trafficking militia, with roots in right-wing paramilitary forces, is present in at least 20 of Colombia's regions.

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

A Political Facade?

In recent years, the group has tried to portray itself as a political movement, like other Colombian insurgent factions.

This maneuver could secure it different terms in any potential peace talks. However, it is generally not seen to have tangible political objectives.

US Government Statement

In a Tuesday's announcement, the US secretary of state labeled the Gulf Clan—which calls itself the Gaitanist Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC)—as a "brutal and influential criminal organisation."

He emphasized it has "thousands of members" and that its "primary source of income is cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its violent activities."

Wider Implications

While other Colombian criminal groups have been listed as terrorist groups before, this ruling is the first under the current administration.

This government has previously targeted six cartels in Mexico and a pair in Venezuela.

Growing Diplomatic Strain

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

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

The two leaders have traded public barbs for weeks. After warning that any drug-producing country was a potential target, the US president singled out Colombia, stating the Colombian leader "is going to have significant difficulties if he doesn't change course."

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

Narco-Trafficking as Pretext

The US has cited its anti-narcotics campaign to explain the maritime attacks it alleges are transporting illicit cargo.

The Colombian president has labeled these operations as "unlawful killing." Recently, the US military stated it had conducted new strikes 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 years.

• This includes 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.

Unsuccessful Strategies

Some Colombian officials had believed the Gulf Clan might be weakened by the arrest and deportation of its top commander to the US in 2022.

Instead, the group unleashed a campaign of terror, assassinating police officers and local leaders and holding large swaths of the country hostage.

Obstacle to Peace

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