Brazil rejects U.S. designation of criminal gangs as terrorists
Brazil's government has rejected the U.S. designation of its drug gangs as terrorist organizations, calling the move counterproductive. Officials argue that such unilateral actions threaten national sovereignty and hinder international cooperation against crime. President Lula da Silva expressed disappointment over the decision and emphasized the importance of focusing on domestic efforts to combat organized crime.
- ▪Brazil's government criticized the U.S. designation of its drug gangs as terrorist organizations.
- ▪Officials stated that the U.S. move threatens national sovereignty and international cooperation.
- ▪President Lula da Silva vowed to focus on domestic efforts against organized crime.
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Brazil rejects U.S. designation of criminal gangs as terroristsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 30, 2026, 01:24 AMUpdated May 30, 2026, 01:24 AMSAO PAULO, May 29 - Brazil's government on Friday said the U.S. move to designate Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist organizations was confused and counterproductive, threatening national sovereignty and international cooperation to combat crime.On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a policy to designate Brazil's two biggest criminal gangs as terrorist groups, opening the door for more aggressive interventions after appeals from the opposition in Brasilia."We will not accept arbitrary measures from abroad as a pretext to attack our sovereignty and our economy," Brazil's presidency said in a…
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