Rio Grande do Norte has been in a week of terror since last Monday evening (13), with attacks on several cities in the state. The perpetrators of the attacks set fire to cars, private and public buildings.

Until the latest update from the State Security Department this Wednesday afternoon (15), 21 municipalities were the target of attacks, which were divided into 39 cases: 19 in Greater Natal, 20 in the hinterland. Information taken from R7.

Cars were set on fire and public buildings attacked in Rio Grande do Norte – Photo: reproduction

victims

Among civilians, the only victim was an elderly man, the owner of a supermarket in Natal, who died from a gunshot during a criminal action. Saved, he succumbed to his injuries.

In addition to him, two suspects died during clashes with the police, one of them against agents from Paraiba.

Results of the police operation

During the two days of the operation, 43 suspects were detained, five of whom were fugitives, and one teenager was detained.

Police also seized nine firearms, 39 explosive devices, fake firearms, nine gallons of gasoline, five motorcycles and two cars, as well as drugs, ammunition and unaccounted for cash.

The Potiguar police started counting from dawn this Wednesday (15) with the support of agents of the National Forces sent by the MJSP (Ministry of Justice and Public Security).

The team includes a total of 220 security agents who will assist with operations in the state and was made available following a request from Gov. Fatima Bezerra to the federal government on Tuesday afternoon (14).

Cities change routine

Faced with fear caused by terrorist attacks in the Natal metropolitan area and in the hinterland, some municipalities pulled out their public transport fleets for two days in a row to prevent new cars from being set on fire.

Public universities such as UFRN and UERN and private schools in the region have also suspended their classes.

In Natal and Mossoro, for example, health posts have been closed and garbage collection services have been suspended.

Investigations

Accused of coordinating attacks on the cities of Rio Grande do Norte from prison, the leader of the criminal group was transferred on Tuesday (14) from the Alcasus prison to a federal prison.

According to the Department of Justice and Public Security, which confirmed the information, he is the mastermind behind crimes such as murder and drug trafficking in the state, in addition to being involved in escape plans and attacks on public and private property.

“The federal penitentiary system is responsible for the detention of high-risk prisoners and has as its main goal the isolation of organized crime leaders,” the folder says. Minister Flavio Dino did not rule out the transfer of other prisoners.

According to an Estadão report, the Sindicato do Crime faction, founded by detainee José Kemps Pereira de Araujo, is suspected of being involved in the attacks.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that he used lawyers to relay messages to the perpetrators responsible for the series of attacks.

These protectors are known as “ties” who, according to the Potiguar prosecutor’s office, are responsible for liaising with a faction within the prisons.