Brazil warns US terrorist designation of crime groups could threaten its sovereignty

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has warned that the United States' decision to designate Brazil's largest criminal organisations as terrorist groups could create legal and security risks, including the possibility of U.S. military action on Brazilian territory.

Speaking during a hearing in the Chamber of Deputies of the Brazilian Congress, Vieira said the U.S. designation poses risks for Brazilian citizens in financial and immigration matters and could also have broader security implications, CNN Brasil reports. 

The minister said, "there is now a possibility that the United States could use military force on Brazilian territory."

The broadcaster also reported that sources in Brazil's Foreign Ministry believe Washington's decision to classify the criminal groups Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital as international terrorist organisations is unlikely to strengthen bilateral efforts to combat organised crime.

Brazil has previously criticised the U.S. move, which took effect on June 5, describing the designation of the country's criminal groups as terrorist organisations as a threat to its sovereignty.

By Sabina Mammadli