Published: Less than 40 min ago
full screenAnti-police protests erupted in the Complexo do Alemão – which consists of several favelas – after Thursday’s deadly operation. Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/AP/TT
At least 18 people have been killed in connection with a police raid against criminal gangs in Rio de Janeiro’s shantytowns, local police say.
A policeman and a woman who lives in the favela in question are among the dead. The other 16 are believed to be gang members, says a spokesperson for the police at a press conference.
Around 400 police officers took part in the extensive operation in a neighborhood with several favelas in northern Rio. They were supported by ten bulletproof vehicles and four helicopters.