US labels two Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organizations

The two syndicates — First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) — likely have more than 50,000 members combined, according to The Associated Press.

Washington equates PCC and CV with global terror groups like Isis, opening the door for aggressive US interventions

Brazilian PresidentLuiz Inacio Lula da Silvahas made clear his opposition to this measure, which has broad legal implications in the United States.

The Lula administration in Brazil has ​tried to avoid such designations because ⁠it could open a path for military ​action by the U.S. in Brazil or ​sanctions against banks that unknowingly do business with gang members.