Rio governor calls in federal security reinforcements against organized crime

Rio governor Sérgio Cabral is going to call in federal security reinforcements to help contain a recent spate of attacks in pacified slum communities. The decision was announced at the crack of dawn on Friday morning (Mar. 21), following a Crisis Cabinet meeting called on an emergency basis. Cabral will meet President Dilma Rousseff today in Brasília.

The cabinet was convened after a series of attacks Thursday (20) night in three areas guarded by Pacifying Police Units (UPP’s).

“Rio’s response will be as usual: joining forces. The population can rest assured we will respond to the attacks,” the governor promised.

The State Secretary for Public Security, José Mariano Beltrame, explained: “Our response plan is to mobilize the entire Special Operations Battalion [BOPE], the Special Resources Coordination [CORE], the Riot Control Battalion, local area police battalions, and Civil Police. We’re all poised on a special scheme, working longer hours, occupying Rio's streets and spaces in full force, to make sure we secure our population from any threats.”

The special scheme is a response to a rifle shooting attack on Capt. Gabriel Toledo, UPP commander in the Manguinhos slum, North Rio. He was wounded on his right leg. Criminals have also set fire to three mobile police units located in the community. Attacks on policemen and UPP facilities were reported in three other neighbourhoods in the Northern area of the city.

In a press release issued later on Thursday (Mar. 20), Rio's governor described the events as “yet another attempt by criminal groups to undermine the successfully implemented pacification policy, which has helped regain control over territories historically occupied by criminals”.

Translated by Augusto Queiroz / Mayra Borges