Background on Clan del Golfo and its Significance
The Clan del Golfo, a paramilitary-origin narco-gang, is the largest drug trafficking organization in Colombia and one of the world’s leading cocaine producers. With over 7,500 members, it operates primarily in the northern and western departments of Bolivar, Antioquia, Cordoba, Chocó, and Magdalena. The group, also known as the Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia, has been responsible for a surge in violence since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla.
Recent Violent Escalation and Government Response
In late April, President Gustavo Petro denounced the cartel’s “systematic assassination strategy” targeting public security forces amidst the worst surge in armed violence in a decade. In response, authorities launched an operation resulting in the capture of 217 Clan del Golfo members since April 15, according to Admiral Francisco Cubides, Commander of the Colombian Military Forces.
Key Actions and Impact
- More than 200 Clan del Golfo members apprehended, including 15 killed during security operations.
- Seizure of 6.8 metric tons of illicit drugs, 123 firearms, and over 15,000 rounds of ammunition.
- 16 police officers and 5 military personnel have lost their lives since the escalation began, as per Admiral Cubides.
Contextualizing the “Plan Pistola” Strategy
The Clan del Golfo’s “Plan Pistola” involves targeting law enforcement officers, reflecting the group’s desperation against recent military and police offensives in Bolivar, Antioquia, Cordoba, Chocó, and Magdalena. This strategy has intensified Colombia’s violence levels since the 2016 peace accord with the FARC, which has seen stalled negotiations with the ELN, Clan del Golfo, and the Central General Staff – the largest FARC dissident group.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the Clan del Golfo? The Clan del Golfo is a powerful narco-gang in Colombia, responsible for cocaine production and trafficking. It has over 7,500 members and operates primarily in the northern and western departments.
- What is the “Plan Pistola”? The “Plan Pistola” is a violent strategy employed by the Clan del Golfo, targeting law enforcement officers in response to military and police offensives.
- Why is this significant? The escalation in violence and the government’s response highlight the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety since the 2016 FARC peace agreement.
