Brazil: Further clashes in Rio favela Oct. 2

Event

Further clashes occurred in the Rocinha favela (slum) on Monday, October 2, between police and local gangs. Gunfire was first heard shortly after midnight in the Portão Vermelho area and clashes continued into the morning in the lower areas of the favela. Reports say police seized ammunition and a grenade from the area. No injuries were reported from the day’s events.

Further confrontations between security forces and local gangs are likely in the coming days.

Context

From September 22 to September 29, the Brazilian Army deployed 950 soldiers to the Rocinha favela to combat drug traffickers and criminal gangs. The deployment followed a week of deadly violence in the favela, which led to the closing of schools, roads, and shops. 

The security operation targeted suspected drug traffickers and arms dealers in the favela. A similar series of raids was carried out on August 5. In late July, Brazilian President Michel Temer authorized the deployment of 10,000 troops to Rio de Janeiro state to help combat a rising wave of gang violence. The recent deterioration of security conditions in Rio sheds light on the failure of the state's security polices, notably the ''pacification'' strategy, which involves the deployment of Police Pacification Units (Unidade de Polícia Pacificadora; UPP), to establish a presence in particularly crime-ridden areas of the city, notably favelas (often located in very close proximity to more affluent neighborhoods).

Advice

Due to the high crime threat in Rio - and Brazil more generally - individuals should remain vigilant in public place and to avoid entering favelas, often located in close proximity to middle and upper class neighborhoods. Keep in mind that criminals are often armed; never offer resistance if assaulted.