Wed Feb 04 21:34:41 UTC 2026: ### Gaitanist Army Suspends Peace Talks After U.S. and Colombia Target Leader

The Story:
The Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC), also known as the Gulf Clan, has temporarily suspended peace talks with the Colombian government in Qatar. This decision follows reports that Colombian President Gustavo Petro, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, pledged to prioritize the capture of EGC leader Jesus Avila Villadiego, alias Chiquito Malo. The EGC views this move as a breach of good faith and a violation of commitments made in Doha.

Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Chiquito Malo is among the three drug “kingpins” targeted for capture, with a reward of 5 billion Colombian pesos ($1.37 million) offered for his capture. This development jeopardizes President Petro’s “Total Peace” policy, aimed at ending Colombia’s long-standing internal conflict through negotiations with rebel groups and criminal networks.

Key Points:

  • The Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC) has suspended peace talks in Qatar.
  • The suspension is a response to reports that Colombian President Gustavo Petro pledged to target Chiquito Malo for arrest, under pressure from the U.S.
  • Chiquito Malo is a major drug lord and leader of the EGC.
  • A reward of 5 billion Colombian pesos ($1.37 million) has been offered for his capture.
  • The EGC perceives this as a violation of agreements made in Doha and a threat to the security of their commanders.
  • The situation threatens President Petro’s “Total Peace” policy.
  • The U.S. designated the EGC as a “foreign terrorist organization” in December 2025.
  • The Colombian Supreme Court in January approved Chiquito Malo’s extradition to the U.S. if captured.
  • Talks have been ongoing in Doha since September 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • International pressure, particularly from the United States, significantly influences Colombia’s approach to drug trafficking and peace negotiations.
  • Balancing peace talks with law enforcement actions against criminal leaders is proving difficult for the Petro administration.
  • The “Total Peace” policy faces significant challenges as the government attempts to negotiate with groups simultaneously targeted for criminal prosecution.
  • The suspension of talks highlights the fragility of peace processes with criminal organizations and the importance of trust and perceived security guarantees.
  • The potential involvement of U.S. intelligence in the operation has unsettled the criminal organization.

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