The government of Brazil warns of the risk of even American military intervention, following Washington's decision to designate two of the country's most powerful criminal organizations as terrorist.
The move by the US sparks a serious diplomatic crisis, in the midst of an election period, while Brasilia expresses fears that the war against gangs may be used as a pretext for extraterritorial or even military actions.
Specifically, the Foreign Minister of Brazil warned of an increased risk of military action by the United States on the country's territory, following Washington's decision to designate two of Brazil's largest criminal organizations as terrorist, according to a letter to Congress, cited by the Agence France-Presse AFP.
In late May, the United States designated the so-called Red Command CV and the First Capital Command PCC as terrorist organizations, triggering the intense reaction of the government of the leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in a year when the country is headed toward presidential elections.
The letter of Mauro Vieira
In the letter, sent last Wednesday by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, it is pointed out that the unilateral designation could be used as a justification for extraterritorial actions that will target Brazilian institutions, particularly in the sectors of finance, immigration, and criminal justice.
He also warned that there is, furthermore, the risk of the use of US military force against the national territory.
The position of Washington
Announcing the designation of the two organizations, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the CV and the PCC as two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil, arguing that their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders, throughout our entire region and into our country.
Political reactions in Brazil
In Brazil, the right-wing opposition welcomed Washington's decision, accusing the government of maintaining an excessively soft stance toward crime, ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October.
The Trump policy toward criminal organizations
During the second term of US President Donald Trump, Washington has expanded the use of the terrorist organization designation to organizations involved in drug trafficking as well.
At the same time, it has carried out deadly attacks against some of these organizations, including the Tren de Aragua in Venezuela, as well as against vessels that, according to American claims, are used for drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the Pacific, though without any evidence being made public.
Tension also on the trade front
The relations between the two countries are also being tested in the field of trade.
The Trump administration is required by July 15 to decide whether it will impose tariffs amounting to 25% on a series of Brazilian products, following the launch of an investigation into alleged unfair trade practices, accusations that the government of Brazil categorically rejects.
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