Criminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Monday, according to the industry group that represents bus companies, after police killed a crime boss in an operation.

The attacks on buses were concentrated in the west of the city, where rival criminal groups are fighting for territorial control. They came after a police operation that killed the nephew of the leader of the state's largest militia, according to the police.

Rio's so-called militias, often composed of current and former police officers, have become one of the region's largest security threats. Originally set up as self-defence forces for poor neighbourhoods blighted by drug gangs, they have now metastasized into criminal outfits operating in multiple different rackets.

Industry group Rio Onibus said 20 of the vehicles were city buses, five were part of the city's rapid transit fleet and the remainder were chartered or tourism buses.

Rio de Janeiro state Governor Claudio Castro said the operation was a "heavy blow" to the militia.

"In addition to being related to the criminal (head of the militia), he acted as the paramilitary group's 'man of war,' being the main person responsible for the turf wars that terrorize residents in Rio," Castro said in a social media post.

The attacks disrupted the city's bus rapid transit system, hindering the commute home for residents and workers in the region. Classes in public schools in the area were also cancelled.

The Military Police said it arrested 12 suspects involved in the fires, in addition to preventing 15 individuals from setting a cargo truck on fire in one of the city's main gateways.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Criminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Monday, according to the industry group that represents bus companies, after police killed a crime boss in an operation.

Criminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Monday, according to the industry group that represents bus companies, after police killed a crime boss in an operation. The attacks on buses were concentrated in the west of the city, where rival criminal groups are fighting for territorial control. They came after a police operation that killed the nephew of the leader of the state's largest militia, according to the police. Rio's so-called militias, often composed of current and former police officers, have become one of the region's largest security threats. Originally set up as self-defence forces for poor neighbourhoods blighted by drug gangs, they have now metastasized into criminal outfits operating in multiple different rackets. Industry group Rio Onibus said 20 of the vehicles were city buses, five were part of the city's rapid transit fleet and the remainder were chartered or tourism buses. Rio de Janeiro state Governor Claudio Castro said the operation was a "heavy blow" to the militia. "In addition to being related to the criminal (head of the militia), he acted as the paramilitary group's 'man of war,' being the main person responsible for the turf wars that terrorize residents in Rio," Castro said in a social media post. The attacks disrupted the city's bus rapid transit system, hindering the commute home for residents and workers in the region. Classes in public schools in the area were also cancelled. The Military Police said it arrested 12 suspects involved in the fires, in addition to preventing 15 individuals from setting a cargo truck on fire in one of the city's main gateways. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rio criminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire after police kills Brazil crime boss

Three doctors were killed and a fourth was injured after gunmen opened fire at them in Rio de Janeiro early Thursday (Oct 5). The attack happened when the doctors were at a beachside eatery in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood. Citing local media, a report by the news agency Associated Press said security footage showed a group of black-clad gunmen emerging from a car and running up to the victims’ table and opening fire before making their escape.&nbsp;

One of the victims was the brother of federal lawmaker Sâmia Bomfim. This led to speculation, including from the government, that it may have been a politically motivated assassination. However, a media report said that the authorities’ main line of investigation is that the hit was a case of mistaken identity, with one of the targets confused for the son of a local militia group.

In a statement, Rio state’s civil police said that the fourth doctor was wounded and brought to a hospital, adding that its homicide department is investigating who was responsible for the attack and its motive.

On Thursday, Brazil's Justice Minister Flávio Dino said that he was tasking the federal police with joining the investigation in light of the hypothesis it may have been motivated by the actions of federal lawmakers.&nbsp;

“After these immediate initial steps, we will legally analyze the case. My solidarity with Congresswoman Sâmia, Congressman Glauber and their families,” Dino said in a post on X.

President Lula da Silva, meanwhile, expressed “great sadness and indignation at the news of the execution.”

Sâmia Bomfim’ is married to another lawmaker, Glauber Braga. The couple belong to the same leftist party as former Rio city councillor, Marielle Franco, who was gunned down in 2018. Five years later, that case remains unsolved.

The Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood is known for its high-rise apartments, south of the better-known Leblon and Ipanema beaches. As per the Associated Press report, Ariel Dimarco, an Argentine doctor attending the same conference with his wife, said they were surprised to awaken and hear the news. They had eaten at the same spot three hours before the killing.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Three doctors were killed and a fourth was injured after gunmen opened fire at them in Rio de Janeiro early Thursday (Oct 5). The attack happened when the doctors were at a beachside eatery in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood.

Three doctors were killed and a fourth was injured after gunmen opened fire at them in Rio de Janeiro early Thursday (Oct 5). The attack happened when the doctors were at a beachside eatery in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood. Citing local media, a report by the news agency Associated Press said security footage showed a group of black-clad gunmen emerging from a car and running up to the victims’ table and opening fire before making their escape. One of the victims was the brother of federal lawmaker Sâmia Bomfim. This led to speculation, including from the government, that it may have been a politically motivated assassination. However, a media report said that the authorities’ main line of investigation is that the hit was a case of mistaken identity, with one of the targets confused for the son of a local militia group. In a statement, Rio state’s civil police said that the fourth doctor was wounded and brought to a hospital, adding that its homicide department is investigating who was responsible for the attack and its motive. On Thursday, Brazil's Justice Minister Flávio Dino said that he was tasking the federal police with joining the investigation in light of the hypothesis it may have been motivated by the actions of federal lawmakers. “After these immediate initial steps, we will legally analyze the case. My solidarity with Congresswoman Sâmia, Congressman Glauber and their families,” Dino said in a post on X. President Lula da Silva, meanwhile, expressed “great sadness and indignation at the news of the execution.” Sâmia Bomfim’ is married to another lawmaker, Glauber Braga. The couple belong to the same leftist party as former Rio city councillor, Marielle Franco, who was gunned down in 2018. Five years later, that case remains unsolved. The Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood is known for its high-rise apartments, south of the better-known Leblon and Ipanema beaches. As per the Associated Press report, Ariel Dimarco, an Argentine doctor attending the same conference with his wife, said they were surprised to awaken and hear the news. They had eaten at the same spot three hours before the killing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: Gunmen kill three doctors, injure one in Rio de Janeiro

A Supreme Court justice called on Friday for&nbsp;Brazil's top prosecutor to investigate&nbsp;Rio&nbsp;de Janeiro's deadliest&nbsp;police&nbsp;raid&nbsp;in over a decade, which has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, human rights groups and local activists.

The shootout killed a&nbsp;police&nbsp;officer and 24 others in&nbsp;Rio's Jacarezinho neighborhood on Thursday.&nbsp;Police&nbsp;said it was the deadliest operation in&nbsp;Rio&nbsp;state since a 2005&nbsp;raid&nbsp;on the city's northern outskirts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Faced with the possibility of impeachment, Brazil President calls COVID-19 a bio-weapon">Faced with the possibility of impeachment, Brazil President calls COVID-19 a bio-weapon</a>

"The facts reported seem grave and, in one of the videos, there are indications of acts that, in theory, could amount to arbitrary execution," said&nbsp;Judge&nbsp;Edson Fachin.

Last year, Fachin issued an order for&nbsp;Rio&nbsp;police&nbsp;to suspend operations during the coronavirus pandemic in the informal shantytowns known as favelas - "except in absolutely exceptional cases" that had been pre-approved by prosecutors.

The United Nations human rights office called on Friday for an independent probe of the latest deadly operation in a history of "disproportionate and unnecessary"&nbsp;police&nbsp;force.

Rio's&nbsp;police&nbsp;are among the most deadly in the world, but right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has argued that if anything they need fewer restrictions on lethal force.

Asked about those killed in Jazarezinho on Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao said they were "all bandits."

Jacarezinho residents and activists marched outside a&nbsp;police&nbsp;station on Friday with a banner demanding, "Stop killing us."

"They would have surrendered, but the&nbsp;police&nbsp;came in to kill, kill, kill. Twenty-five mothers crying. I want my son," said Adriana Santana Araújo, 36, mourning the loss of her 23-year-old son.

Daniele dos Santos said her 32-year-old husband had gone out to buy bread and was caught in the crossfire.

"He got a bullet in the leg and the cop ended up executing him. He was alive. He wasn't armed. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time," she said.

Police&nbsp;said everyone killed but the officer were suspected drug traffickers reacting violently to&nbsp;police&nbsp;presence.

A Supreme Court justice called on Friday for Brazil's top prosecutor to investigate Rio de Janeiro's deadliest police raid in over a decade, which has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, human rights groups and local activists.

A Supreme Court justice called on Friday for Brazil's top prosecutor to investigate Rio de Janeiro's deadliest police raid in over a decade, which has drawn condemnation from the United Nations, human rights groups and local activists. The shootout killed a police officer and 24 others in Rio's Jacarezinho neighborhood on Thursday. Police said it was the deadliest operation in Rio state since a 2005 raid on the city's northern outskirts. Also read | Faced with the possibility of impeachment, Brazil President calls COVID-19 a bio-weapon "The facts reported seem grave and, in one of the videos, there are indications of acts that, in theory, could amount to arbitrary execution," said Judge Edson Fachin. Last year, Fachin issued an order for Rio police to suspend operations during the coronavirus pandemic in the informal shantytowns known as favelas - "except in absolutely exceptional cases" that had been pre-approved by prosecutors. The United Nations human rights office called on Friday for an independent probe of the latest deadly operation in a history of "disproportionate and unnecessary" police force. Rio's police are among the most deadly in the world, but right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has argued that if anything they need fewer restrictions on lethal force. Asked about those killed in Jazarezinho on Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao said they were "all bandits." Jacarezinho residents and activists marched outside a police station on Friday with a banner demanding, "Stop killing us." "They would have surrendered, but the police came in to kill, kill, kill. Twenty-five mothers crying. I want my son," said Adriana Santana Araújo, 36, mourning the loss of her 23-year-old son. Daniele dos Santos said her 32-year-old husband had gone out to buy bread and was caught in the crossfire. "He got a bullet in the leg and the cop ended up executing him. He was alive. He wasn't armed. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time," she said. Police said everyone killed but the officer were suspected drug traffickers reacting violently to police presence.

Brazil judge sees signs of 'arbitrary execution' in Rio police raid

Brazil cities gets hit by torrential rain taking death toll to 21

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio.

The result leaves Flamengo an unassailable 13 points ahead of Palmeiras with four games of the Serie A season remaining.

It is the seventh league title for the Rio de Janeiro club and completes a historic weekend, coming less than 24 hours after Gabriel Barbosa scored two goals in the dying minutes to give them a 2-1 victory over River Plate in the Libertadores final in Peru.

It is the first time that a Brazilian team has won both the league and the Libertadores in the same year since Pele's Santos achieved the same feat in 1963.

The Flamengo players had driven through the centre of Rio on an open-top lorry earlier on Sunday to celebrate the Libertadores victory and they did not need to kick a ball for their celebrations to double.

Defending league champions Palmeiras had to beat Gremio to keep their slim title hopes alive but although Bruno Henrique equalised Everton’s 69th-minute opener for Gremio, Pepe stepped up in stoppage time to give the visitors all three points.

Flamengo have 81 points from 34 games; Palmeiras are joint second with Santos on 68 points.

The win completes a phenomenal year for a club that has gone 26 games unbeaten since losing on the first weekend of August.

Under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has quickly become a cult figure, Flamengo have overrun opponents with a high-intensity pressing game and an all-out attack spearheaded by prolific scorers Barbosa and Bruno Henrique.

Barbosa, who is on loan from Inter Milan, is the top goalscorer in both the Libertadores and Serie A, while Bruno Henrique was named the Best Player of the 2019 Libertadores on Sunday.

Flamengo now have four league games remaining before turning their attention to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/revamped-fifa-club-world-cup-important-for-asia-gianni-infantino-208343">Club World Cup in Qatar</a>, where they could face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a>, the team they beat to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981.

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio.

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio. The result leaves Flamengo an unassailable 13 points ahead of Palmeiras with four games of the Serie A season remaining. It is the seventh league title for the Rio de Janeiro club and completes a historic weekend, coming less than 24 hours after Gabriel Barbosa scored two goals in the dying minutes to give them a 2-1 victory over River Plate in the Libertadores final in Peru. It is the first time that a Brazilian team has won both the league and the Libertadores in the same year since Pele's Santos achieved the same feat in 1963. The Flamengo players had driven through the centre of Rio on an open-top lorry earlier on Sunday to celebrate the Libertadores victory and they did not need to kick a ball for their celebrations to double. Defending league champions Palmeiras had to beat Gremio to keep their slim title hopes alive but although Bruno Henrique equalised Everton’s 69th-minute opener for Gremio, Pepe stepped up in stoppage time to give the visitors all three points. Flamengo have 81 points from 34 games; Palmeiras are joint second with Santos on 68 points. The win completes a phenomenal year for a club that has gone 26 games unbeaten since losing on the first weekend of August. Under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has quickly become a cult figure, Flamengo have overrun opponents with a high-intensity pressing game and an all-out attack spearheaded by prolific scorers Barbosa and Bruno Henrique. Barbosa, who is on loan from Inter Milan, is the top goalscorer in both the Libertadores and Serie A, while Bruno Henrique was named the Best Player of the 2019 Libertadores on Sunday. Flamengo now have four league games remaining before turning their attention to the Club World Cup in Qatar, where they could face Liverpool, the team they beat to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981.

Flamengo confirmed Serie A champions a day after Libertadores win

Millions of people have already begun taking to the streets ahead of the start of Brazil's most iconic festival, Carnival, an event that promises to provide a jolt to the South American giant's struggling economy.

Brazil hopes the pre-Lenten party - which officially runs from March 1 to March 6 - will bring in some 6.8 billion reais (around $1.8 billion) in revenue, with businesses in the hotel services, transportation and food sectors being the biggest beneficiaries.

Many Brazilians are showing faith in the country's recovery from a deep 2015-2016 recession and spending money on travel, while others see an opportunity for temporary work and the chance to build up some savings.

Some 5 million people are expected to celebrate Carnival in Sao Paulo alone, while 50 per cent of that metropolis' available hotel rooms are to be filled. 
Marcos de Andrade, an economist at Sao Paulo's Mackenzie Presbyterian University, told EFE there are high expectations for that city's festival.

He noted that this year the number of Sao Paulo "blocos," street bands that mobilize massive crowds and are the heart of Carnival, are expected to exceed those in Rio de Janeiro, a city more traditionally associated with that world-renowned festival.

In addition, more money has been invested in 2019 in the Sao Paulo blocos as opposed to their Rio counterparts.

"There also has been greater investment by professionals and business leaders in the sector," the economist said, noting that expectations are that temporary hiring will be up 10 per cent from 2018.

A week before the festivities officially kick off, millions of Carnival lovers have already begun packing the streets of Sao Paulo wearing masks, disguises and accessories and taking part in one of the 208 bloco parades already underway.

Nevertheless, Andrade sees the financial boost provided by Carnival as seasonal and says it would be a stretch to talk about a consolidated economic recovery in Brazil, which has grown at a tepid pace over the past two years.

Likewise, Jose Pena - chief economist at Porto Seguro Investimentos, the asset management arm of insurance company Porto Seguro - said it is very difficult to measure Carnival's nationwide contribution, though adding that its positive impact is undeniable.

He noted that economic activity during Carnival is mainly concentrated in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador and Recife and in the hotel, food services and transportation industries.

"Those sectors clearly hit their peak during Carnival and attract a large number of tourists, so the (number of people travelling to those cities) jumps during that period," Pena said.

In fact, according to a study by Brazil's Tourism Ministry, five states will account for around 80 per cent of Carnival's nationwide revenues in 2019. 
Rio de Janeiro, which continues to lead the way, is projected to attract 7 million people to its streets during this year's festival, including 1.5 million tourists.

Meanwhile, the hotel occupancy rate in Brazil's most emblematic city was already 74 per cent a week before the official start of Carnival.

Estimates are that that rate will reach 98 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively, in the case of two northeastern cities: Salvador and Recife.

Despite persistent economic uncertainty in Brazil, there are signs of greater optimism for the first time in recent years.

Attorney Gabriel Morettini e Castella, who still has not decided in which city he will celebrate Carnival, said he has quite a bit more money to spend this year.

He said the law firm that employs him has seen an uptick in business that goes hand-in-hand with a better economic climate over the past four months.

"That improvement raised my income and will allow me to spend more than in previous Carnivals. This year, I'm willing to spend double the amount I did last year," Morettini e Castella said.

Millions of people have already begun taking to the streets ahead of the start of Brazil's most iconic festival, Carnival, an event that promises to provide a jolt to the South American giant's struggling economy.

Millions of people have already begun taking to the streets ahead of the start of Brazil's most iconic festival, Carnival, an event that promises to provide a jolt to the South American giant's struggling economy. Brazil hopes the pre-Lenten party - which officially runs from March 1 to March 6 - will bring in some 6.8 billion reais (around $1.8 billion) in revenue, with businesses in the hotel services, transportation and food sectors being the biggest beneficiaries. Many Brazilians are showing faith in the country's recovery from a deep 2015-2016 recession and spending money on travel, while others see an opportunity for temporary work and the chance to build up some savings. Some 5 million people are expected to celebrate Carnival in Sao Paulo alone, while 50 per cent of that metropolis' available hotel rooms are to be filled. Marcos de Andrade, an economist at Sao Paulo's Mackenzie Presbyterian University, told EFE there are high expectations for that city's festival. He noted that this year the number of Sao Paulo "blocos," street bands that mobilize massive crowds and are the heart of Carnival, are expected to exceed those in Rio de Janeiro, a city more traditionally associated with that world-renowned festival. In addition, more money has been invested in 2019 in the Sao Paulo blocos as opposed to their Rio counterparts. "There also has been greater investment by professionals and business leaders in the sector," the economist said, noting that expectations are that temporary hiring will be up 10 per cent from 2018. A week before the festivities officially kick off, millions of Carnival lovers have already begun packing the streets of Sao Paulo wearing masks, disguises and accessories and taking part in one of the 208 bloco parades already underway. Nevertheless, Andrade sees the financial boost provided by Carnival as seasonal and says it would be a stretch to talk about a consolidated economic recovery in Brazil, which has grown at a tepid pace over the past two years. Likewise, Jose Pena - chief economist at Porto Seguro Investimentos, the asset management arm of insurance company Porto Seguro - said it is very difficult to measure Carnival's nationwide contribution, though adding that its positive impact is undeniable. He noted that economic activity during Carnival is mainly concentrated in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador and Recife and in the hotel, food services and transportation industries. "Those sectors clearly hit their peak during Carnival and attract a large number of tourists, so the (number of people travelling to those cities) jumps during that period," Pena said. In fact, according to a study by Brazil's Tourism Ministry, five states will account for around 80 per cent of Carnival's nationwide revenues in 2019. Rio de Janeiro, which continues to lead the way, is projected to attract 7 million people to its streets during this year's festival, including 1.5 million tourists. Meanwhile, the hotel occupancy rate in Brazil's most emblematic city was already 74 per cent a week before the official start of Carnival. Estimates are that that rate will reach 98 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively, in the case of two northeastern cities: Salvador and Recife. Despite persistent economic uncertainty in Brazil, there are signs of greater optimism for the first time in recent years. Attorney Gabriel Morettini e Castella, who still has not decided in which city he will celebrate Carnival, said he has quite a bit more money to spend this year. He said the law firm that employs him has seen an uptick in business that goes hand-in-hand with a better economic climate over the past four months. "That improvement raised my income and will allow me to spend more than in previous Carnivals. This year, I'm willing to spend double the amount I did last year," Morettini e Castella said.

Brazilians hope world-famous carnival will give economy a boost

rio-de-jaineiro

Rio De Jaineiro, News on Rio De Jaineiro, stories on Rio De Jaineiro, articles on Rio De Jaineiro, Rio De Jaineiro stories at Wion, Rio De Jaineiro news, Rio De Jaineiro latest news

rio de-jaineiro

Rio criminal groups set at least 35 buses on fire after police kills Brazil crime boss

Brazil: Gunmen kill three doctors, injure one in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil judge sees signs of 'arbitrary execution' in Rio police raid

Brazil cities gets hit by torrential rain taking death toll to 21

Brazil cities gets hit by torrential rain taking death toll to 21

Flamengo confirmed Serie A champions a day after Libertadores win

Brazilians hope world-famous carnival will give economy a boost