United States dismisses Brazil's warning of possible military action as absurd

The U.S. Department of State rejected a Brazilian foreign ministry assessment that a U.S. military intervention in Brazil was possible. In response to a July 1 letter from Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies warning that the U.S. designation of the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations could open the way for unilateral measures, including potential use of force, a spokesperson said the comment “about risk of a military action is absurd.”

The United States clarified that its actions will be limited to financial sanctions, asset blocks and visa restrictions, not to the deployment of troops. The spokesperson added that the criminal groups “already operate in U.S. territory” and that the United States will “defend its people” against them. Brazil’s ministry argued it had not been formally consulted before the U.S. decision and warned that the designation could affect national sovereignty and the economy.