Rio Military Police Occupy Gardênia Azul to Halt Comando Vermelho Expansion

Overview

• The Military Police occupation of Gardênia Azul, launched Friday, will continue for an open-ended period with COE, CPE, BOPE, BPChq, BAC and the 18th Battalion deployed.
• Police say traffickers tied to Comando Vermelho are trying to push through a corridor between Recreio and the Tijuca forest where rival gangs and militias also operate.
• A mobile command post with drones is directing surveillance, and officers also deployed armored vehicles, boats and a fixed base inside the community.
• State data show robbery pressure in the 18th BPM area, with 740 street robberies and 380 vehicle thefts in the first quarter of the year.
• City services felt the strain as five public schools canceled classes and five health units paused outside work during the first day of the operation.