Brazil: Heightened security continues in Rio Grande do Norte State March 17 following multiple recent arson attacks /update 1

Event

Authorities are maintaining increased security across Rio Grande do Norte March 17 in reaction to a series of arson attacks by suspected gang members in at least 39 municipalities since March 14. At least 100 members of the National Public Security Force (Forca Nacional de Seguranca Publica) have been deployed to the state to reinforce policing, and further deployments are scheduled on March 17. School and business closures, as well as the suspension of public transport, have been reported in some of the affected municipalities.

Most of the affected townships are located in southern and coastal regions of Rio Grande do Norte, including Santo Antonio, Lajes Pintadas, Campo Redondo, Jacana, Acari, Caico, Boa Saude, Cerro Cora, Parnamirim, and Tibau do Sul. However, some attacks have also been reported in northern municipalities, such as Mossoro, and Sao Miguel do Gostoso.

The perpetrators have mostly been setting fire to parked vehicles as well as some government buildings, including two police stations in Natal. Authorities also reportedly engaged in some armed clashes, resulting in the death of two suspects, including the leader of a drug-trafficking organization who had fled to Joao Pessoa, in the neighboring state of Paraiba. Authorities have arrested at least 66 people as of early March 17.

Officials suspect the perpetrators to be associated with the Rio Grande do Norte's Crime Syndicate (Sindicato do Crime) and that the arson attacks may be a response to tight regulations in the state's prison system or retaliation for recent security operations aimed at curbing drug trafficking. Criminals have likely been using the region's overcrowded prisons to coordinate the attacks.

Localized transport and business disruptions are likely during security operations over the coming days. Security forces will almost certainly employ security measures, such as checkpoints and security cordons near potential targets. Random searches of vehicles and pedestrians are also possible. Targeted security operations, including police raids to capture suspects, could occur with little-to-no warning. Officials will almost certainly reinforce security in prisons across the state; riots and violence within prisons are possible. Additional attacks, including armed clashes between law enforcement officers and suspects, remain possible.

Advice

If operating in Rio Grande do Norte, exercise increased personal vigilance until the situation becomes clear and authorities have tighter security measures in place. Consider minimizing non-essential travel. Heed the instructions of authorities; remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officials. Plan accordingly for potential travel and supply chain disruptions.