In a press conference on Wednesday night (29), Governor Cláudio Castro and the Minister of Justice and Public Security of Brazil, Ricardo Lewandowski, announced cooperation between the state and federal governments to combat organized crime in Rio de Janeiro.
Cláudio Castro highlighted the importance of joining forces to guarantee security for the population: “Regardless of mistakes or successes, we leave here today with a great opportunity.”
The governor also reported that the federal government promptly offered support, with the creation of an Emergency Office to combat organized crime and coordinated actions with the Federal Police (PF) and Federal Highway Police (PRF).
The minister detailed that the federal force in the state will be increased, intelligence operations will be intensified and joint actions will be carried out between federal and state forces. Regarding the Emergency Office, Lewandowski explained that the structure will not be permanent, but will allow for quick decisions until the crisis is overcome.
The security forces’ action, carried out on Tuesday (28), left at least 119 people dead. According to the Security Secretariat, 58 bodies were found on the day of the operation and another 61 were located in a forest this Wednesday.
113 suspects were arrested — 33 from other states — and 10 minors were apprehended. Agents collected 118 weapons, including 91 rifles, as well as explosives and drugs.
What we know about the megaoperation
The operation, considered the largest in the state’s history, aimed to combat the territorial expansion of Comando Vermelho (CV) and arrest criminal leaders operating in Rio and other states. Security forces are trying to carry out 100 arrest warrants against members of the faction, 30 of them in other states, with emphasis on members in Pará.
The confrontation lasted more than 12 hours and caused casualties among agents and residents. In addition to leaving three residents injured with stray bullets.
After the action, the day this Wednesday (29), dawned with bodies scattered and lined up across Praça São Lucas, in the Penha complex. Activist and community leader Raull Santiago reported the drama experienced by residents who smelled “smells of dead people” throughout the community. Santiago also stated that in other parts of the favela there were bodies scattered and people crying.
