The Brazilian Government has approved more than US$360 million to increase security in the country's troubled Rio de Janeiro state, the Xinhua news agency said.
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The president named General Walter Braga Netto to lead the federal offensive in the state. The rate of crime, particularly theft and homicides have surged in Rio in recent years. The intervention gives Netto command over all the public security forces in Rio de Janeiro, including the prison system.
President Michel Temer issued the edict for the release of the funds to facilitate the military takeover of the violence-plagued tourist region, EFE confirmed, citing an unnamed source.
“We are going to win this battle against organized crime,” the president posted to his Twitter account, after he inked the decree.
The head of state initially announced in February that an “extreme measure” was necessary to fight organized crime. Temer, again, hinted at the undertaking a week ago, adding that additional funding would be made available if necessary.
Thousands of soldiers and police officers have been deployed across the city and are set to remain there until Temer's term ends on Dec. 31.
According to Xinhua, 3,400 soldiers and 500 police officers entered Brazil's Lins Complex favela, on Tuesday, with an aim to curtail the excessive violence being experienced since the country hosted the Olympics just under two years ago.
The military said the perimeter of the area will be secured to prevent the escape of suspects. Armored vehicles were observed patrolling the area, the agency disclosed.
Security personnel confirmed that the operation has resulted in the detainment of 24 people, seizure of three guns, large amounts of marijuana and cocaine as well as vehicles suspected of being involved in illicit activities.
Drugs and gangs have been fingered as the root of the violence in the region.
Seven people were reportedly killed on Saturday in a confrontation with police in the favela Rocinha.