Army Monitors Morro do Alemão by Helicopter and Prepares New Operation in Rio

03/02/2018 - 11h24

Symbols of the takeover attempt by the State of areas dominated by drug trafficking at the beginning of the decade, Complexo do Alemão and Complexo da Penha, in Northern Rio, are being monitored by the Army.

Their purpose is to map different access and possible escape routes for drug dealers before a future action coordinated by general Walter Braga Netto - president Michel Temer (MDB) has ordered a federal intervention in Rio's public security, a measure supported by Rio's governor, Fernando Pezão, also a member of the president's party, MDB.

Last Sunday (23), two military helicopters were the most visible sign of the action at Complexo do Alemão (69,000 inhabitants) and Penha (35,000). The helicopters monitored and photographed the favelas (slums), which extend over 5 districts in Northern Rio.

Civil Police drones have also recorded images of those communities.

Residents of Complexo do Alemão reported seeing the aircrafts and drones. The CML (Eastern military command) confirmed the observation strategy.

In November 2010, a joint operation of Bope (Special Police Operations Battalion), the military and civil police, which also included the unprecedented logistical support of the Navy, expelled drug dealers from Vila Cruzeiro, one of the communities in Complexo da Penha.

At the time, the police raid was broadcast live on TV, as well as the mass escape of drug dealers.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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