Military Police announces indefinite occupation of the Complexo de Israel in Rio

The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro announced on Monday (24) that it will carry out an indefinite occupation in the neighborhoods of Vigário Geral, Parada de Lucas and Cordovil, in the north zone. The region is known as the Israel Complex.

The territory is controlled by the TCP (Terceiro Comando Puro), the main rival of the Comando Vermelho, and was nicknamed the Israel Complex due to the dominance profile of drug lord Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa, known as Peixão.

Investigations indicate that the group persecutes the practice of African-rooted religions within its area of control and uses Israeli symbols, such as the country's flag and names mentioned in the Old Testament.

On Monday (24), four people were arrested in a Military Police operation that sought to curb the TCP's activities in the area, which is marked by vehicle and cargo theft. The action also targeted the group's practice of religious intolerance.

The operation provoked resistance from the faction. Two trucks were set on fire, and two directions of Avenida Brasil, Rio's main expressway, were closed.

Officers seized two rifles, two grenades, drugs and a radio transmitter.

The Military Police say the occupation, which began on Monday afternoon, aims to "restore the population's sense of security." Officers will establish a cordon and carry out patrols around the communities of Parada de Lucas, Cordovil, Pica-Pau and Cinco Bocas.

"The region has been the target of criminal actions, such as the installation of barricades, the digging of trenches by drug traffickers on access roads and near residences, as well as episodes of religious intolerance promoted by members of criminal groups," the Military Police said in a statement.

In addition to local battalions, the air mobile unit, the expressway specialist battalion and the motorcycle battalion are taking part in the operations. They will operate on the roads that run through the region, such as Avenida Brasil and the Presidente Dutra highway. The Military Police say the occupation will have the support of ambulances.