Brazil: Heightened security continues in Rio Grande do Norte State as of March 21 due to arson attacks /update 2

Event

Authorities are maintaining increased security across Rio Grande do Norte as of March 21 in reaction to a series of arson attacks by suspected gang members in over 50 municipalities since March 14. At least four municipalities registered arson attacks overnight March 20-21, including Natal, where armed clashes between the police and a suspect took place, but no casualties were reported. In recent days, the perpetrators of arson attacks have mostly been targeting state-owned vehicles, such as municipal buses and police cars, as well as government buildings, and police stations. Several private businesses have also been affected. The majority 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, attacks have also been reported in northern municipalities, especially in Mossoro, the second-largest city in the state.

As of late March 20, at least 700 members of the National Public Security Force (Forca Nacional de Seguranca Publica) have deployed to the state to reinforce policing, and further deployments remain possible. Authorities have arrested at least 142 people as of early March 21. Authorities also reportedly engaged in several armed clashes since the beginning of the attacks, resulting in the deaths of at least three suspects, including the leader of a drug-trafficking organization who had fled to Joao Pessoa, in the neighboring state of Paraiba. School and business disruptions, as well as the suspension of some public transport services, are continuing in parts of the state. Disruptions to non-urgent healthcare services have been reported in several municipalities, and the municipal schools in Natal will remain closed until March 29.

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.

Context

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.

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.