US Designates Colombian Clan del Golfo as Foreign Terrorist Organization
The United States has officially designated the Colombian drug-trafficking organization known as Clan del Golfo (Gulf Clan) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This classification was announced by the US Treasury Department.
Context of Designation
The designation occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order classifying the synthetic opioid fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction." Both actions align with the Trump administration's stated efforts against drug trafficking. Previously, the administration conducted over 20 lethal strikes against vessels suspected of drug transport in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, resulting in over 90 fatalities.
About Clan del Golfo
Clan del Golfo has engaged in criminal activities for decades, primarily focused on trafficking cocaine from Colombia, the world's largest producer, to destinations in the US and Europe. The organization, based in Colombia's northern Urabá region, is also involved in the smuggling of migrants through the Darién Gap, a jungle area connecting Colombia and Panama.
According to a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the group is responsible for terrorist attacks targeting public officials, law enforcement personnel, military forces, and civilians within Colombia. It is estimated to have thousands of members and is considered Colombia's largest active cocaine-trafficking organization. Clan del Golfo joins three other Colombian criminal groups on the FTO list: the National Liberation Army (ELN) and two factions that separated from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after its 2016 peace agreement with the Colombian government.
Implications for Colombian Peace Efforts
The US FTO designation for Clan del Golfo follows a recent agreement between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the criminal group. Less than two weeks prior, a deal was reached in Doha aimed at initiating steps towards peace in areas under the group's influence. President Petro's political platform included a commitment to achieving "total peace" in Colombia, a nation long affected by cartel and guerrilla violence.
A component of the agreement with Clan del Golfo involved an understanding that its members would not face extradition to the United States. The FTO designation by the US is anticipated to introduce complications into the ongoing peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the group. President Petro has not yet issued a public response to the US action.
US-Colombia Relations and Further Statements
Relations between the Colombian leader and the Trump administration have been characterized by public disagreements. President Petro previously described US lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Pacific as "murder." In turn, Secretary Rubio has publicly referred to President Petro as a "lunatic."
The FTO designation provides the US with additional authority to impose penalties on the group. Any assets held by Clan del Golfo in US financial institutions are subject to freezing, and individuals, including US citizens, who knowingly provide "material support" to the group may face prosecution.
Amid regional tensions, President Trump has continued to issue warnings regarding potential "strikes on land" against "narco-terrorists," extending beyond operations against maritime drug vessels. While previous statements primarily focused on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the "Cartel of the Suns," another group designated as an FTO by the US, recent comments indicated broader targets. On Friday, President Trump referenced Colombia, stating, "Colombia has at least three cocaine factories. That's a different country." He further added, "But it's not only land strikes on Venezuela, it's land strikes on horrible people that are bringing in drugs and killing our people," implying a wider scope for potential operations.