Rio anti-violence operation to engage 8.5 thousand from Armed Forces

The Brazilian government will implement the National Security Plan in Rio de Janeiro in a bid to step up security in the city, which has faced an alarming increase in violence in both downtown and inner-city areas. Over the last weeks, for instance, drivers near Linha Vermelha—one of Rio's main thoroughfares—were forced to leave their vehicles and squat down in an effort to protect themselves from the  crossfire between local criminals and the police.

The initiative is expected to engage 8.5 thousand military agents from the Armed Forces and 1,120 from the Federal Highway Police, 380 of whom from other states. President Michel Temer signed Friday (Jul 28) the decree granting permission for the Armed Forces to ensure law and order in Rio de Janeiro.

Under Brazilian law, the president may order the Armed Forces to act in case of major disturbance of public order and when the use of conventional security forces is threatened.

Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said that, even though the National Security Plan in Rio de Janeiro are slated to end late in 2018, Temer's decree covers the period from July 28 to 31.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira