The U.S. State Department has designated two of Brazil's largest criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The designations target Red Command (Comando Vermelho) and the First Capital Command (Primeiro Comando da Capital, or PCC), both major drug trafficking groups operating in Brazil.

The terrorist organization status is set to take effect on June 5, according to the State Department announcement. This designation places the Brazilian gangs on the same legal footing as other groups classified as global terrorist threats by the United States.

The move follows previous threats from the Trump administration to take action against Brazilian criminal organizations. The designations come as part of broader U.S. efforts to combat international drug trafficking and organized crime that affects American interests.

Both Red Command and PCC are considered among Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations, controlling significant portions of the country's drug trade and operating extensive networks throughout South America. The groups have been linked to violence, corruption, and drug trafficking operations that extend beyond Brazil's borders.

The terrorist designations will likely result in enhanced sanctions and restrictions on financial transactions involving the groups, as well as increased coordination between U.S. and Brazilian law enforcement agencies in combating their operations.