Brazilian government sends National Force to state victim of wave of attacks and violence

The Brazilian government announced yesterday that it would send the National Force, an elite corps of security forces, to the state of Rio Grande do Norte (northeast) to contain the wave of attacks and urban violence that is shaking the region.

The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flavio Dino, accepted on Tuesday the request of Governor Fátima Bezerra to send the National Force to curb the violence occurring in Rio Grande do Norte since the early hours of last morning.

Specifically, 100 National Force agents, 30 vehicles, and 30 criminal police officers will be sent to the state, receiving operational support from the Federal Highway Police. Dino added that other measures would be taken, although he declined to specify them.

“Attending the request of Governor Fátima Bezerra of Rio Grande do Norte. I authorized the dispatch of the National Force to collaborate with the action of the regional security forces. Other actions are being analyzed and will be announced later, ” commented the official.

Since early last morning, Rio Grande do Norte has been experiencing a wave of attacks in at least 19 cities, with shootings and fires in public buildings, stores, and vehicles.

Among the buildings attacked, there are some courthouses, two militarized police bases, a mayor’s office, and a bank, as well as a motorcycle store, vehicles, buses, and school buses.

At the moment, one person was killed, and at least 21 were detained. The attacks are suspected of having been commanded by the Sindicato do Crime, a criminal group operating in the region.

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