Faced with an unprecedented outbreak of violence due to the presence of organized crime, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reacted firmly by announcing the deployment of 3,700 soldiers in the country’s main ports and airports. This decision aims to fight against the powerful groups of drug traffickers and militias which are rampant in Rio de Janeiro in particular.
The security situation in Brazil has become extremely worrying, with increasing violence that endangers the security of citizens. President Lula da Silva therefore took the decision to mobilize the armed forces in order to neutralize criminal gangs and confiscate their assets. The military will act in coordination with the federal police to intensify the arrests of suspects and put an end to the hold of criminals on the most affected territories.
This large-scale operation will last until May 2024 and will mainly focus on the ports of Santos, Rio de Janeiro and Itaguaí, as well as the large airports of Guarulhos and Galeao. If necessary, other ports and airports could also benefit from a strengthening of the military presence.
It is important to emphasize that President Lula da Silva made a strategic choice by excluding the sending of soldiers to the favelas, these working-class neighborhoods often infiltrated by gangs and militias. Indeed, he wishes to avoid a violent approach which has not succeeded in the past in pacifying these areas. This decision shows the government’s desire to implement alternative strategies, based on targeted actions and effective coordination between security forces.
The most critical situation is currently in the western part of Rio de Janeiro, where militias formed by former police officers are spreading terror by practicing extortion and occasionally allying with drug traffickers. Recent incidents, such as the destruction of a train and numerous buses following the death of a gang leader, highlight the urgency of concerted action to restore public order and tranquility.
In short, the deployment of soldiers in Brazilian ports and airports is a strong signal sent by President Lula da Silva to fight against organized crime. This measure aims to restore security and attack infrastructure used by gangs. However, it is essential to put in place complementary strategies to pacify the favelas and resolve the root of the problem. This will require optimal coordination between security forces and a comprehensive approach involving social development policies and opportunities for residents of the most affected neighborhoods.