US labels Brazil's PCC and CV as foreign terrorist groups

The United States will formally designate Brazil’s two largest criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that has sparked diplomatic tensions and is expected to influence the country’s upcoming presidential election. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Thursday, targeting the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho (CV). The designation, which takes effect on June 5, imposes sanctions that block the groups from U.S. financial systems and make it illegal for American citizens to provide them material support.

In a statement, Rubio said the PCC and CV are among the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil, with networks extending across the region and into the United States. He stated the action demonstrates the administration's commitment to dismantling cartels and disrupting the revenue streams of what he termed "violent narcoterrorists." The groups, which are rivals for drug trafficking routes and prison influence, are believed to command tens of thousands of members combined and dominate the drug trade in much of Brazil.

The announcement follows a visit to Washington by Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the...