Government of Paraguay declares Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations this Thursday, in Asunción. The measure comes one day after a mega police operation in Rio de Janeiro left more than 120 people dead in clashes with the Red Command. Paraguayan authorities activate high alert on the eastern border with Brazil to prevent members of the factions from entering. The objective is to contain the expansion of organized crime in the region, according to minister Cíbar Benítez.
The decision comes amid concerns about the escape of criminals after the action in Complexo da Penha and Alemão.
- Immediate reinforcement of troops and equipment in border units.
- Increased intelligence monitoring to track suspicious movements.
- Cooperation with local forces to increase police presence in police stations.
These steps aim to protect the border strip, which stretches for hundreds of kilometers.
Immediate measures at the border
The minister of the National Defense Command, Cíbar Benítez, stated that the decree classifying them as terrorists will be published in the next few hours. He highlighted concrete reasons for action, including transnational activities of the factions. Reinforcements in personnel and material will occur across the border, with a focus on eastern Paraguay.
Authorities plan to intensify patrols of vehicles and irregular crossings.
Argentine action precedes Paraguayan decision
Argentina included the factions in the Registry of Persons and Entities Linked to Acts of Terrorism on Tuesday. Minister Patricia Bullrich confirmed the classification as narco-terrorists after the operation in Rio. The country records 39 Brazilians in prison, with five linked to Comando Vermelho and up to eight to the PCC.
The inclusion process began a month ago, but administrative delays prevented an immediate online update. Bullrich emphasized strict control over foreign detainees to prevent factional influence in local prisons.
Context of the operation in Rio de Janeiro
The mega-operation in Rio mobilized 2,500 police officers in the Penha and Alemão complexes. The clash resulted in 119 suspect deaths and four injured police officers. Agents seized heavy weapons, including rifles and ammunition, as well as drugs.
Investigations point to the militarized structure of the Red Command in the region.
- High caliber weapons used in ambushes against security forces.
- Armed drones detected in recent actions by the faction.
- Arrested include members from other states, indicating a national network.
The official balance was released by the Civil Police Secretary, Felipe Curi.
Expansion of factions in South America
The First Command of the Capital has dominated trafficking routes in the Triple Border since the mid-2010s. Estimates indicate its presence in more than 200 irregular crossings between Paraguay and Argentina. The group supplies drug and weapons markets to Brazil and other countries.
Comando Vermelho expands influence in Paraguay through local partnerships. Authorities report a 30% increase in border incidents in the last two years.
Factions use fast boats to cross rivers in minutes, complicating control.
Reinforcements in Paraguayan security forces
Border police stations will receive 500 additional agents in the coming weeks. Armed Forces units will deploy armored vehicles and surveillance drones. Investment in intelligence includes exchanging data with South American neighbors.
These actions aim to neutralize escape routes post-operations in Brazil.
The plan covers joint training for binational patrols.
Regional Containment Strategies
Neighboring countries coordinate efforts to monitor 39 Brazilian inmates in Argentina. Paraguay is studying the inclusion of financial sanctions against faction leaders. Both nations prioritize blocking money laundering across borders.
Classification as terrorists facilitates access to international resources to combat crime.
Paraguay and Argentina plan tripartite meetings with Brazil to align protocols.
