Colombia plans terrorist label for armed groups

Colombia's government said Tuesday it plans to classify guerrilla fighters, drug traffickers and other criminal groups as “terrorists,” a hardline security move by President Abelardo de la Espriella after he took office in August.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara told Bogota-based Blu Radio that proposed legislation, due to be debated in Congress, would define what a terrorist organization is before authorities create a list of designated groups. He did not say which organizations could be included.

De la Espriella said in a statement that armed groups “are all terrorists and we are going to treat them as such.”

Lara hinted that groups allegedly behind recent wildfires could be considered. The fires have scorched at least 20,000 hectares in western Colombia as the country faces the El Nino climate phenomenon, which has reduced rainfall and raised temperatures.

De la Espriella succeeded Gustavo Petro, who tried unsuccessfully to negotiate peace with guerrillas often involved in cocaine production.