In Brazil, criminal groups have organized attacks in the north-east of the country, where cars have been burned and government buildings have been shot at for two nights in a row.
In Brazil, criminal groups have organized attacks in the north-east of the country, where cars have been burned and government buildings have been shot at for two nights in a row.
The attacks in Rio Grande do Norte state began on Monday night as gangs reacted to new rules restricting their activities in the prison system.
Attacks took place in about 20 cities on Monday night, and at least six on Tuesday night, including the state capital, Natal.
In the clashes with the police, at least one person was killed, two were injured and 28 people were detained, according to the news site G1.
Public Security Minister Flavio Dino tweeted that the government of President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva has deployed 220 federal police to assist state police and is ready to increase reinforcements.
Photos published in local media show cars, buses and businesses set on fire and bullet marks on the walls of government buildings.
“This is the response of the so-called organized crime to the strict and decisive measures that the government of Rio Grande do Norte is taking to fight criminal activities and violence in the prison system,” state governor Fatima Bezer told CNN.
Brazil’s overburdened prison system has serious problems with corruption and security compliance, allowing gang leaders to continue to run their illegal businesses from prison cells.
Riots and gang clashes are also common in prisons.
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