Brazil: Manhunt underway in Belém area April 11

Event

A manhunt is underway in the Belém region (north) as of early Wednesday, April 11, to search for prisoners who escaped from the Santa Izabel penitentiary the day prior. It is unclear how many prisoners managed to escape but they are believed to be heavily armed.

Twenty people were killed, including one guard, during the prison break, which involved the use of explosives and firearms and was conducted from both the interior and exterior of the prison.

Context

Many of Brazil’s major gangs are based out of prisons and have a wide reach on the outside, as well as significant control within the prisons themselves.

Advice

Individuals in the Belém area should anticipate an increased security presence and obey any orders issued by the local authorities.