Special Operations Battalion (Bope) asked for the purchase of a rifle with a special caliber to pierce the armor of drug traffickers. The recently installed commander of the BOPE, Aristheu de Góes Lopes, listed a series of justifications to support at least ten demands sent to the Special Operations Command (COE) of the Military Police, asking for equipment to reinforce the troops. Among them, is the concern with confronting drug traffickers and militiamen, who already have their armored vehicles.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Arguments
According to Aristheu Lopes, criminal groups use lethal weapons, guerrilla tactics, barricades with embrasures, and armored vehicles against agents. These arguments were used to support the request for 150 7.62 rifles, weapons with greater stopping power, as well as less target transfixation.
Current Armament
According to the request, the current weapons have been used for 10 years and need to be updated to ensure the effectiveness of police operations. In 2022, however, the PM itself, when purchasing 5.56 caliber rifles, said that the idea was to reduce side effects with the use of this old weapon, the 7.62.
Other Armaments
Another 20 .338 Lapua Magnum rifles, high power and precision, used only by snipers, are also on the list of demands for the Special Operations Command. These weapons have long-distance firepower and are capable of penetrating even barricades and armored vehicles. The model, used even in the Afghan War, is also used to protect authorities in external events.
50 silenced 9mm submachine guns were also requested, to be adopted by the Tactical Intervention Unit (ITU).
Other Requests
The order is also for 300 ballistic helmets, eight drones, and even new uniforms. Twelve vans and two minibusses also make up the list.
Analysis:
The recent request by the newly installed commander of the Special Operations Battalion (BOPE), Aristheu de Góes Lopes, for the acquisition of more powerful weapons and additional equipment reflects a growing concern about the escalation of violence and the sophistication of the tactics used by drug traffickers and militiamen in Rio de Janeiro.
However, the request also raises questions about the balance between the need to modernize police equipment and the potential impacts of using more lethal weapons in densely populated urban areas. The change in weapons, which previously aimed to reduce collateral damage, is now reconsidered in a context where the ability to pierce armor is a priority.
However, these acquisitions must be accompanied by adequate training and strict operational control to minimize risks to the civilian population and ensure that security forces operate within legal standards.
Sources: O Globo.
