Brazil sends federal troops to tackle security crisis in Rio state

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Federal troops will be shipped to Rio de Janeiro state to help local police tackle a serious public security crisis, Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said Friday.

"We are activating a joint command with the armed forces to support an integrated security plan which will involve all federal and state police forces," the minister told RJTV.

The troops will remain in Rio state at least through the rest of the year and the joint operation will be funded by the defense budget.

Criminal activity is on the rise in Rio state. Shootings are commonplace in many neighborhoods, killing 90 police officers so far this year.