A special deployment of Brazilian troops began fanning out in the northern city of Fortaleza on Saturday with orders to stop a spike in violent attacks by criminal gangs against banks, buses and shops, officials said. Dozens of attacks have been registered this week, forcing residents to stay at home and leaving main roads deserted. The 300 troops sent to reinforce state security forces will have a big task. Nearly 80 attacks have been reported in towns across Ceara state this week. The Brazilian state is larger than Costa Rica or Croatia.

Source: Punch January 05, 2019 16:52 UTC