The United States Treasury Department has officially designated Colombia's Clan del Golfo, also known as the Gulf Clan, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This action occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order classifying the drug fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction." Both moves align with the Trump administration's anti-drug strategy, which has included over 20 lethal strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
The Clan del Golfo is a significant criminal organization that has engaged in cocaine trafficking for decades, transporting the drug from Colombia, the world's largest producer, to destinations in the United States and Europe. Based in Colombia's northern Urabá region, the group is also involved in smuggling migrants through the Darién Gap, a jungle area connecting Colombia and Panama. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the group has carried out attacks against public officials, law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians within Colombia. It is estimated to have thousands of members and is considered the largest cocaine-trafficking gang currently operating in the country. The Clan del Golfo now joins three other Colombian criminal groups on the US FTO list: the National Liberation Army (ELN) and two factions that separated from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) following a 2016 peace agreement.
This FTO designation by the United States takes place less than two weeks after Colombian President Gustavo Petro signed an agreement with the Clan del Golfo. This agreement aimed at initiating steps towards peace in areas under the group's control, with an understanding that its members would not face extradition to the US. President Petro's political platform included a promise to achieve "total peace" in Colombia. However, discussions with most armed groups in the country have either stalled or failed. The US designation is likely to complicate the ongoing talks between the Colombian government and the Clan del Golfo.
Relations between the Colombian leader and the Trump administration have been characterized by tension. President Petro has publicly described the US lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Pacific as "murder." In response, US Secretary of State Rubio has publicly made critical remarks concerning President Petro. The immediate consequences of the FTO designation include the freezing of any Clan del Golfo assets held in US financial institutions. Additionally, individuals, including US citizens, who knowingly provide "material support" to the group can be prosecuted.
President Trump has repeatedly warned of potential "land strikes" against "narco-terrorists." He has previously focused on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of leading the "Cartel of the Suns," another group designated as an FTO by the US. When questioned about plans for Venezuela, President Trump reiterated the possibility of attacking drug smugglers on land and also mentioned Colombia, stating, "Colombia has at least three cocaine factories. That's a different country," and adding, "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."