Rampant violence broke out in Rio de Janeiro as criminal groups set fire to at least 35 buses in response to a police operation that killed a crime boss. The attacks were concentrated in the western part of the city, where rival criminal factions are vying for territorial control.
The police operation resulted in the death of the nephew of the leader of the state’s largest militia, which is composed of both current and former police officers. Originally formed as self-defense groups in impoverished neighborhoods plagued by drug gangs, these militias have expanded into criminal organizations involved in various illegal activities.
According to the industry group Rio Onibus, among the 35 torched vehicles, 20 were city buses, five were part of the city’s rapid transit fleet, and the rest were chartered or tourism buses.
Rio de Janeiro state Governor Claudio Castro described the police operation as a significant blow to the militia. He emphasized that the deceased individual was not only linked to the criminal leader but also served as the primary instigator of territorial disputes causing fear among Rio residents.
The attacks disrupted the city’s bus rapid transit system, causing commuting problems for local residents and workers. Public schools in the affected area also had to cancel classes.
The Military Police reported the arrest of 12 suspects connected to the bus fires and prevented 15 individuals from setting a cargo truck ablaze in one of the city’s main entrances.
