Nearly fifty educational institutions of all levels in Rio de Janeiro suspended classes this Tuesday due to a massive police operation in the Alemão and Penha complexes against the criminal gang Comando Vermelho. The Municipal Secretariat of Education reported that 31 schools in the Alemão area suspended their classes. In Penha, 17 schools closed, according to Agência Brasil. The State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj) announced that nighttime activities at its academic and administrative units in the metropolitan region of Rio are also suspended. The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) recommended that students, professors, and staff avoid Fundão Island, where most of the institution's programs are taught. Night classes have been canceled at all Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias (Baixada Fluminense) campuses. The rectorate of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Unirio) announced the cancellation of in-person teaching and administrative activities. The Fluminense Federal University (UFF) also recommended the suspension of classes and other academic activities for today and asked students, professors, and officials to avoid traveling to areas affected by police incidents, seek safe places, and stay informed about the development of the operation. The city of Rio de Janeiro has entered phase 2 of alert, which implies a high-impact risk, due to the operation launched by the Military and Civil Police on Tuesday in the Penha and Alemão complexes. According to the state government, the operation mobilizes 2,500 civil and military police to arrest criminal leaders and prevent the strengthening of Comando Vermelho. According to the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Operations and Resilience Center, the roads around the Alemão, Penha, Chapadão, and São Francisco Xavier complexes, in the north zone; Freguesia in Jacarepaguá; and Taquara in the southwest zone are temporarily closed due to police incidents. Those currently on the university's main campus must remain in their buildings.
