Orsi on Army vehicles patrolling neighborhoods: 'The decision is made' and 'it's not about image'

President Yamandú Orsi has confirmed that the decision has been made to deploy armored Army vehicles for patrols in Montevideo neighborhoods, a measure intended to combat escalating crime. The initiative is part of broader security operations, including "Dominio" and "Atenea."

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The decision has been made to advance so that armored Army vehicles begin to carry out patrol tasks in Montevideo neighborhoods.

Orsi addressed criticism from the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Juan Castillo, who argued that the sight of military vehicles patrolling civilian areas would create a negative public image. The president countered that the focus must be on action and resolving the security needs of the populace, rather than on appearances or public perception.

"It is not a matter of image or sensation, it is a matter of action: we have to resolve, people need their right to security resolved," Orsi stated during a press conference. He emphasized that no effort should be spared and all available resources would be utilized to tackle organized crime, which he acknowledged as an international issue.

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It is not a matter of image or sensation, it is a matter of action: we have to resolve, people need their right to security resolved.

The president acknowledged that some legal aspects need to be addressed, but reiterated that the core decision is firm. He framed the deployment as utilizing state infrastructure to enhance security, drawing parallels to existing collaborations where the Ministry of Defense supports the Ministry of the Interior, such as with radar systems or coast guard issues.

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We cannot spare any effort. All the resources we have will be put in so that people can resolve an issue that is international, like organized crime.

These armored vehicles, specifically 12 Mamba Recuperador MK-7 models, were donated by the United States. Valued at approximately $11 million, the donation was described as "historic" and was facilitated through the U.S. Department of State's Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), involving collaboration with the U.S. Southern Command, the Uruguayan Ministry of National Defense, and the National Army.

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There are some legal issues that we have to resolve, but the decision has been made.