Brazil's Army will take over the policing of Rio de Janeiro's Mare slums, following a series of attacks on police targets last week, Rio de Janeiro state Gov. Sergio Cabral announced Monday.
Two policemen were injured and five police stations were
destroyed in the attacks, reportedly ordered by crime lords serving time in
prisons in other Brazilian states.
The attacks, some three months before the city hosts the
opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, prompted Cabral to request federal
help, which was immediately approved.
Cabral didn't say when the army would take over police
operations in Mare, a series of slums spread along Rio's
main highways and near the city's international airport.
"It is a strategic area for Rio,"
Cabral said. "A sensitive area with residents anxious to receive the
security forces."
According to Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo, who was
by Cabral's side when he made the announcement, the federal forces will remain
at the slum as long as officials deem it necessary.
"The occupation will take as long as necessary.
Deadlines will be adjusted according to necessity," the minister said.
Cardozo said the occupation of Mare will not interfere with
the "very well developed and prepared" security program set up for
the 12 cities hosting World Cup games
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