Colombia's Gulf Clan crime gang declares holiday ceasefire

BOGOTA (Reuters) - The Gulf Clan crime gang, considered Colombia's largest criminal organisation, has declared a month-long ceasefire for Christmas and New Year and invited other armed groups to also lay down their weapons for the festivities.

The gang, also known as the Usuga Clan and the Autodefensas Gaitanistas, is accused of operating drug trafficking routes in partnership with Mexican cartels, extortion and illegal gold mining. Fighting the group is considered one of the country's top security challenges.