Brazil police raid Rio's biggest slum
Brazilian security forces backed by armoured vehicles swept into Rio de Janeiro's biggest shantytown Sunday morning.
The first troops moved into the hilltop community of Rocinha just before dawn as black military helicopters hovered overhead.
Down below, elite squads backed by police, soldiers and naval personnel made their move. To further tighten security, authorities had shut down airspace and major highways around the favela.
Rocinha has been under the control of drug traffickers for decades, but the government has promised to control the violence before the city hosts the 2016 Olympics. Rio will also host the final matches of the 2014 World Cup
About 100,000 people live in Rocinha, which is the biggest drug distribution point in Rio. The slum straddles a green mountainside above posh neighborhoods.
"We are prepared for battle. We're prepared for a war, said Capt. Yerson de Oliveira. "And we'll succeed."
Despite the show of force, officials said they were hoping to avoid a firefight with drug traffickers. They arrested the head of the gang while he was trying to escape in the trunk of a car —and for the past week, they've been announcing their plans, giving gang members and residents ample warning.
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| The raid is considered the most important step yet in bringing security to Rio de Janeiro before it hosts the final matches of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. |
Brazilian security forces backed by armoured vehicles swept into Rio de Janeiro's biggest shantytown Sunday morning.
The first troops moved into the hilltop community of Rocinha just before dawn as black military helicopters hovered overhead.
Down below, elite squads backed by police, soldiers and naval personnel made their move. To further tighten security, authorities had shut down airspace and major highways around the favela.
Rocinha has been under the control of drug traffickers for decades, but the government has promised to control the violence before the city hosts the 2016 Olympics. Rio will also host the final matches of the 2014 World Cup
About 100,000 people live in Rocinha, which is the biggest drug distribution point in Rio. The slum straddles a green mountainside above posh neighborhoods.
"We are prepared for battle. We're prepared for a war, said Capt. Yerson de Oliveira. "And we'll succeed."
Despite the show of force, officials said they were hoping to avoid a firefight with drug traffickers. They arrested the head of the gang while he was trying to escape in the trunk of a car —and for the past week, they've been announcing their plans, giving gang members and residents ample warning.
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| Residents watch as armoured vehicles move into the Rocinha shantytown Sunday. |
