Experts and political sectors are warning that designating major Brazilian criminal organisations as terrorists would broaden the scope for international sanctions and operations. The debate includes possible effects on cooperation against drug trafficking and in the bilateral relationship with the United States.
Political, media and academic sectors in Brazil are now warning that the United States’ decision to potentially classify two major criminal factions in Brazil as terrorists could spark geopolitical tensions and affect national sovereignty.
The concern arises following press reports that indicate Donald Trump’s administration is considering including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho (CV) on their list of foreign terrorist organisations.
Several experts have cautioned that this controversial decision would widen Washington’s power to sanction individuals, freeze assets and even justify offshore operations. This potential designation generated an immediate reaction in Brazil, where analysts consider that this measure could disrupt the balance of international cooperation against organised crime, and set a precedent of intervening in internal security affairs.
According to the ICL Notícias website, one of the fears of the Brazilian authorities is that the operations of the PCC and the CG could become targets of US military attacks with this designation.
The news on this topic is spreading after Trump, in a meeting with right-wing leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean over the weekend, restated his interest in converting the drug trafficking problem into an instrument to control the region, this digital site stated.
Several sources note that the PCC and the CV are among the biggest Brazilian criminal organisations, with a presence in the drug trafficking and smuggling networks in various countries. However, they stress that their nature differs from that of a terrorist group.
An analysis by the Institute for the Reform of State-Business Relationships maintains that these factions operate mainly for economic gain and for control of the illegal markets, not with ideological or political objectives, a key element in the classic definition of terrorism.
Thomaz Delgado de David, with a Masters in International Relations from the University of São Paulo, considers with concern the possibility of their classification as terrorists, arguing that the United States could worsen the imposition of financial sanctions, based on their internal legal framework
Furthermore, in statements to Brasil de Fato, he warned that they could possibly use this as a pretext to justify eventual measures of political and direct military intervention, although there is no legal basis for this.
The national president of the Partido de los Trabajadores (PT), Edinho Silva, criticised the possible decision and its risks to sovereignty.
Through a post on social media, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government has announced that he has adopted measures to combat organised crime, choking a large part of the economic system that was financing criminal activity in Brazil.
Analysts cited by the UOL website agree that such a move from the United States would threaten national sovereignty and they highlight that the measure is also motivated by an interest in the South American giant distancing themselves from economic relations with China.
Retired Colonel Paulo Roberto da Silva Gomes Filho, of the Army Strategic Studies Centre, highlighted in this media the statements made last Thursday by the head of the United States Southern Command, Francis Donovan, who confirmed that, if it were necessary, they would not hesitate to act.
Operation Absolute Resolution is proof of this promise, said Donovan in reference to the name given by Washington to the military aggression last 3rd January against Venezuela. “Clearly, this shows that the United States can act unilaterally when they consider it necessary,” Paulo Filho said.
According to the website Carta Capital, the Lula administration launched an offensive against the potential designation, fearing it could be used to justify military operations or other unilateral actions outside of U.S. territory.
Several Brazilian news organisations reported that Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira spoke by phone on Sunday with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the Brazilian government’s concerns.
Experts also warn that the issue could influence the political climate leading up to Brazil’s 2026 presidential elections, placing national sovereignty, public security, and relations with the United States at the heart of the debate. While Washington is reportedly evaluating the measure, voices in Brazil are increasingly warning about its consequences, and indicating that any international initiative against organised crime must respect the country’s self-determination and institutions. PL
(Translated by Donna Davison – Email: donna_davison@hotmail.com) – Photos: Pixabay
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