U.S. Designates Colombian Drug Trafficking Group as Terrorist Organization Amid Intensified War on Fentanyl
The United States has officially labeled the Clan del Golfo, a prominent Colombian drug-trafficking organization, as a terrorist group. This designation, announced shortly after President Trump classified fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction,” marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to combat drug-related violence and trafficking.
Why It Matters
This move underscores the U.S. administration’s renewed focus on dismantling drug cartels and combatting the opioid epidemic, which has led to alarming overdose rates in the country. By designating Clan del Golfo as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the U.S. gains additional powers to freeze the group’s assets and prosecute individuals providing support to it. This strategy reflects broader concerns about drug violence spilling over into American communities.
Key Developments
- The U.S. Treasury Department added Clan del Golfo to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- President Trump’s executive order classifying fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” aims to bolster anti-drug efforts.
- More than 90 people have reportedly died in U.S. strikes against alleged drug vessels linked to trafficking activities.
- The Colombian government’s recent peace agreement with Clan del Golfo could be jeopardized by this U.S. designation.
- Trump’s remarks suggest potential land strikes against drug traffickers in Colombia, echoing similar operations in Venezuela.
- Fentanyl abuse has been linked to over 110,000 drug-related deaths in the U.S. during 2023 alone.
Full Report
U.S. Designation as Foreign Terrorist Organization
The Clan del Golfo, known for its extensive cocaine trafficking operations, was classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Treasury Department. This decision follows the arrest of its leader, Dairo Úsuga, in 2021. The gang, currently led by “Chiquito Malo,” is considered the largest cocaine-trafficking organization in Colombia and plays a significant role in human trafficking as well.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the organization is responsible for numerous violent acts against civilians and authorities in Colombia. This move represents a continuation of the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics in the ongoing war on drugs, which has included multiple airstrikes against suspected drug shipment vessels.
Strained U.S.-Colombia Relations
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had recently negotiated a peace agreement with the Clan del Golfo, aiming to address long-standing cartel violence in the country. However, the U.S. classification of Clan del Golfo as an FTO complicates these negotiations, raising questions about the future of peace talks. Petro and Trump have publicly clashed over their differing approaches, particularly regarding U.S. military strikes against drug smugglers.
Public Health Emergency and Fentanyl Classification
Trump’s executive order to categorize fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction aims to address the urgent public health crisis stemming from opioid abuse in the U.S. Although fentanyl is not produced in Colombia or Venezuela, Trump’s focus on these countries signals a broader strategy against drug trafficking networks. Critics, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, argue that it is essential to address the root causes of drug addiction rather than merely pursuing punitive measures.
Context & Previous Events
The designation reflects growing concerns over the opioid crisis, with over 110,000 drug-related deaths reported in 2023 alone. The Clan del Golfo is now among several Colombian groups identified by the U.S. as threats, alongside the ELN and factions that emerged from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia after their peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016.
