1 killed in clashes between Brazil army, drug gangs
Clashes have erupted between army soldiers and drug gang members in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city, leaving at least one person dead.
Officials say the victim was a suspected gang member.
The clashes halted the traffic flow on one of the area's main highways.
The clashes broke out on Wednesday after rival gangs started fighting at a local complex. When the fighting between the different gangs started, soldiers patrolling the area since April intervened.
The Mare slum complex is one of the country’s several impoverished areas in Rio where police or soldiers have been seeking to eliminate gangs and establish permanent posts.
The move is part of army's effort to make the city safer ahead of the 2016 Olympics.
With the aim of improving security in Rio, the police have implemented the widespread "pacification" program since 2008.
Comments