Brazil: Gang attacks lead to wave of violence in the northeast
Police officer near a burned truck in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, on March 16. © AFP - ALESSANDRO IMPERIAL
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1 min
The state of Rio Grande do Norte has been under attack by criminal gangs for four days. Twenty cities have already been affected, disrupting the operation of public transport, waste collection, but also hospitals and schools. A crisis cabinet has been opened to contain this violence.
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With our correspondent in Rio de Janeiro, Sarah Cozzolino
Fires of transport and public buildings, shops, vehicles. It has now been four days since the people of Rio Grande do Norte woke up to the smell of smoke and images of the chaotic situation in their state.
Natal, Mossoró e Parnamirim: The three largest cities had to suspend some basic services and close schools and hospitals. According to local authorities, the attacks were sponsored by members of the "Crime Syndicate", a regional criminal faction, in protest at conditions in local jails.
Dispatch of more than 200 police officers
Justice Minister Flavio Dino has already announced the dispatch of more than 200 national force police and reinforcements could arrive in the coming days. "If it is necessary to send 400, 500, 600, 800 police officers to support the state of Rio Grande do Norte, we will do it. For we will not allow territories to be surrendered to criminal factions. We stand in solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Norte and their government," he said.
The minister also considered sending in the army if the situation did not stabilize this weekend. So far, nearly 70 suspects have been arrested as well as a large number of weapons and explosives.
► Read also In the News: attacks of criminal groups in the northeast of Brazil
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- Brazil
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