To strengthen the fight against criminal militias and drug trafficking, The Brazilian government has ordered the deployment of soldiers at various airports and ports in the country. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a corresponding decree on Wednesday (local time). “provides for the establishment of an integrated operation to combat organized crime,” as Lula announced on Platform A total of 3,700 troops from the army, air force and navy will be deployed. The background is the recent increase in violent crimes.
“The situation has reached a very serious point, the violence we are experiencing has become worse every day,” Lula said. Last week, at least 35 buses were torched in western Rio after a prominent member of the city’s largest militia was killed by police. Militias include active and former police officers involved in drug trafficking and protection fraud.
Police said the murdered man was the nephew of militia chief Luis Antônio da Silva Braga, better known as Zinho. The police assume that the burning of buses was an act of revenge. Although this is not the first time that buses have been set on fire in Rio, according to the city’s bus operators’ union, so many buses have never been set on fire in Rio in one day.
The governor of the state in which the coastal metropolis is located subsequently asked for federal support in the fight against militias and organized crime. The army’s mobilization is expected to last until May next year and could be extended if necessary. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
