The United States on Thursday designated two well-known Brazilian crime groups, the so-called Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations.

Axar.az reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that CV and PCC are among the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil.

"Together, they command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials, and civilians.

Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country," Rubio said in a statement.