US Military Force Risk Raised Over Brazil Cartel Move
Brazil warns of possible US military force after PCC and CV were designated terrorist groups, amid sanctions and concerns over unilateral action.
The United States may use military force on Brazilian territory after designating the PCC and CV groups as terrorist organizations, CNN Brasil reported.
The possibility was mentioned in a response by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to a request from lawmakers. According to the document, there is a possibility that the United States could use military force inside Brazil.
Brazil’s ministry believes Washington’s decision will not strengthen bilateral cooperation in fighting crime. Officials noted that the previous status of these groups had already allowed Brazil and the United States to work together against organized crime.
CNN Brasil also reported that Brasilia did not send an official response to the US move. The reason, according to the report, is that the White House made the decision unilaterally and without formally notifying Brazil.
In late May, the United States added PCC and CV to its list of foreign terrorist organizations. The decision entered into force on July 5. According to media reports, Washington is trying to cut off financial flows that may be used to support these groups.
The US Treasury Department also recently imposed sanctions on two individuals and three companies in Brazil, accusing them of links to one of the cartels. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the White House would continue using all available tools to protect the United States and its national security interests.