Rio de Janeiro's Military Police initiated a major, open-ended operation in the Gardênia Azul community on Friday. The action, involving multiple battalions and specialized units, aims to suppress criminal activity in the Jacarepaguá neighborhood of the city's West Zone. Authorities deployed ground and water assets, including armored vehicles, boats, and a mobile command center.
According to police officials, the Comando Vermelho criminal faction has been using Gardênia Azul as a base to launch attacks against rival groups operating in other parts of Jacarepaguá and the neighboring Recreio dos Bandeirantes district. The stated goal of the permanent presence is to contain these violent territorial disputes and stabilize the region.
A significant increase in local crime statistics provided further impetus for the operation. Data from the Public Security Institute (ISP) showed that car and motorcycle robberies in the nearby Barra da Tijuca and Taquara police districts surged by 30% in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025. The number of reported incidents rose from 61 to 79 during that period.
The police presence has had immediate local consequences. Five municipal schools in the area suspended classes, and five health units halted external activities due to the security operation. Despite the scale of the action, the Military Police clarified that it is not directly linked to the state government's broader territorial retake plan.
That government plan, presented to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) as part of the long-standing 'Favelas' ADPF case, specifically targets the Gardênia Azul, Rio das Pedras, and Muzema communities. These areas have been characterized by violent disputes between militias and drug traffickers. The STF is still reviewing the proposal.
While sources suggested the current operation might last at least a week, the official Military Police stance is that the occupation will continue for an indefinite period. The operation's scale, involving at least seven battalions, underscores the authorities' commitment to establishing a lasting security foothold in the community.
Based on reporting from g1.