After the US classified two Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations, the Brazilian government warned that the risk of Washington using military force inside the country has increased.
In a message to parliament, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said, "This classification can be used to legitimize cross-border actions against Brazilian institutions."
Vieira said, "There is a risk of the US using military force against national territory."
Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opposed the US classification, arguing it gives the country the right to intervene against the leaders of these groups anywhere in the world.
The US government announced last May that it had classified the groups "Primeiro Comando da Capital" and "Comando Vermelho" as terrorist organizations, stating they have "illegal networks" extending far beyond Brazil's borders.
These two groups are primarily involved in drug trafficking and have other illegal sources of income in Brazil's poor neighborhoods.
Since his return to the White House in 2025, Donald Trump has begun designating various criminal groups in other countries as terrorist organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico and the Tren de Aragua gang in Venezuela.
While the US has launched lethal attacks against Tren de Aragua in Venezuela, it has also dealt fatal blows to boats it claims belong to drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific without presenting any evidence.
In Brazil, the right-wing opposition welcomed Washington's decision, accusing the government of negligence and laxity as the presidential elections scheduled for October approach.
