The United States has designated two major Brazilian criminal organizations, the Red Command and the First Capital Command, as terrorist groups, escalating tensions with Brazil which opposes the move. US officials cited the groups' transnational criminal networks and security threat.

The United States on Thursday designated two of Brazil’s most powerful criminal organisations, the Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organisations, escalating tensions with Brasilia, which strongly opposes the move. US officials said the groups operate transnational criminal networks and pose a security threat.