Members of the military police special unit detain suspected drug dealers during a police operation against drug trafficking at the favela do Penha, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 28. REUTERS/Aline Massuca
Paraguay’s government declares the First Capital Command and Red Command as terrorist organizations this Thursday, in Asunción. The measure comes one day after a police mega-operation in Rio de Janeiro left more than 120 dead in clashes with the Red Command. Paraguayan authorities activate maximum alert on the eastern border with Brazil to prevent entry of faction members. The goal is to contain the expansion of organized crime in the region, according to Minister Cíbar Benítez.
The decision arises amid concerns over criminals fleeing after the action in the Penha and Alemão complexes.
- Immediate reinforcement of troops and equipment in border units.
- Increase in intelligence monitoring to track suspicious movements.
- Cooperation with local forces to boost police presence in stations.
These steps aim to protect the border strip, which extends for hundreds of kilometers.
Immediate measures on the border
The Minister of the National Defense Command, Cíbar Benítez, stated that the decree classifying them as terrorists will be published in the coming hours. He highlighted concrete reasons for the action, including the factions’ transnational activities. Reinforcements in personnel and material will occur along the entire border, with focus on eastern Paraguay.
Authorities plan to intensify vehicle patrols 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 narcoterrorists after the Rio operation. The country records 39 Brazilians in prison, with five linked to the Red Command and up to eight to the PCC.
The inclusion process began about a month ago, but administrative delays prevented immediate online update. Bullrich emphasized strict control over foreign detainees to prevent faction influence in local prisons.
- Reforço imediato de tropas e equipamentos nas unidades fronteiriças.
- Aumento no monitoramento de inteligência para rastrear movimentos suspeitos.
- Cooperação com forças locais para elevar presença policial em delegacias.
Esses passos visam proteger a faixa de fronteira, que se estende por centenas de quilômetros.
Context of the Rio de Janeiro operation
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 officers. Agents seized heavy weapons, including rifles and ammunition, plus drugs.
Investigations point to the Red Command’s militarized structure in the area.
- High-caliber weapons used in ambushes against security forces.
- Armed drones detected in recent faction actions.
- Prisoners include members from other states, indicating a national network.
The official balance was released by the Civil Police Secretary, Felipe Curi.
Factions’ expansion in South America
The First Capital Command dominates trafficking routes in the Triple Frontier since the mid-2010s. Estimates indicate presence in over 200 irregular crossings between Paraguay and Argentina. The group supplies drug and weapon markets to Brazil and other countries.
The Red Command expands influence in Paraguay through local partnerships. Authorities record 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 stations will receive 500 additional agents in the coming weeks. Armed Forces units will position armored vehicles and surveillance drones. Investment in intelligence includes data exchange with South American neighbors.
These actions aim to neutralize escape routes post-operations in Brazil.
The plan includes joint training for binational patrols.
Regional containment strategies
Neighboring countries coordinate efforts to monitor 39 Brazilian detainees in Argentina. Paraguay studies financial sanctions against faction leaders. Both nations prioritize blocking money laundering via borders.
The terrorist classification facilitates access to international crime-fighting resources.
Paraguay and Argentina plan tripartite meetings with Brazil to align protocols.
