Brazil warns of risk of US military intervention after sanctions against drug cartels

Brazil, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is concerned about the risk of the use of American military force on its territory, after Washington designated the groups Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations. This classification, considered unilateral by Brazilian officials, could justify extraterritorial interventions against Brazilian institutions, warned Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in a letter addressed to Parliament.

The U.S. claims that these groups have extensive illicit networks beyond Brazil's borders and engage in illegal activities, including drug trafficking. Additionally, the right-wing opposition in Brazil welcomed Washington's decision, accusing the government of negligence ahead of the presidential elections in October.

Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira described Washington's decision to declare the PCC and CV groups terrorist organizations as a dangerous precedent against the country's sovereignty

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs („Itamarati“) officially expressed serious concern that the risk of unilateral US military intervention on Brazilian territory has increased significantly.

Timeline of Washington's decision

In late May 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration of President Donald Trump was officially outlawing Brazilian criminal factions „First Capital Command“ (PCC) and „The Red Command“ (CV).

Effective Date: The measures and asset freeze became effective on June 5, 2026, under the authority of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.

US Motives: The change aims to cut off the financial flows of gangs, which Washington says threaten regional security and import huge quantities of drugs into the US.

Why does Brazil see a military threat?

The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been trying to block this decision through diplomatic channels for months. According to a report signed by Mauro Vieira, the designation of domestic criminal factions as “terrorists” gives the White House a legal and political justification for future direct military operations or airstrikes.

Brazil exemplifies Trump's doctrine in Latin America, including increased lethal strikes against drug trafficking boats and increased pressure in the region. The Foreign Ministry fears a scenario similar to the US operations against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.

The case has caused serious political tension, as it coincides with the preparation for the presidential elections in Brazil.

The official message

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to questions from the Chamber of Deputies about the decision of the United States to classify factions PCC (First Command of the Capital) and CV (Red Command) like terrorist organizations.

Letter signed by Chancellor Mauro Vieira last Wednesday (1st) alert to the risk of implications for Brazilian citizens and the possibility of US military actions no Brazil.

The official message clarifies the questions asked by the federal deputy Evair de Melo (Republicans-ES) through an Information Request, approved in May, following the announcement by the American government.

Regarding the department's assessment of the diplomatic, economic and reputational impacts for the country, the document points out that the classification "it will not bring concrete benefits for international cooperation between the USA and Brazil in combating organized crime".

According to the government's response, the classification of factions as "transnational criminal organizations" by Washington it would already allow cooperation in the exchange of information and other actions to combat crime.

Another point of questioning by parliamentarians was about official Brazilian responses to the American decision. In the reply, Vieira explains that, as there was no type of formal communication from the American government due to the unilateral nature of the opinion, a Brazilian response did not occur because it was not necessary.

"such an effort is based on the recognition of the existence of a transnational dimension of organized crime and the fact that it will not be possible for the country to face it effectively without cooperation with other countries and international organizations", complete.

Classification of the PCC and CV as terrorists

The designation of the PCC (First Command of the Capital) and the CV (Red Command) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO, in its acronym in English) by the United States it came into force on June 5th.

This was the second stage of the process, which began on May 28, when the US State Department made the announcement and framed the factions as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" (SDGT).

The statement, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, states that the CV and PCC are among the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil and that its operations extend beyond Brazilian borders, reaching American territory.

According to the US government, the measure seeks to interrupt the flow of resources they finance "violent narco-terrorists".

The designations are complementary and have different legal bases. The SDGT, in force since May, is anchored in a decree issued by George W. Bush after the attacks of September 11, 2001, does not require approval from the American Congress and blocks all assets and interests of factions that are under the control of people or US entities.

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