Brazil Troops in Rio Slum Operation Before World Cup
BBC
World News • 4/05/14 7:37:23 am • Views: 1,082
It’s just a casual police state crackdown to keep the poor in line during the World Cup, nothing to worry about…
Nearly 3,000 Brazilian troops have begun occupying one of Rio de Janeiro’s most dangerous shanty towns.
It is the biggest such operation since the authorities began tackling powerful drug gangs in key areas of the city ahead of the football World Cup in June and July.
Tanks, helicopters and armoured vehicles are being used in the operation at the Mare slum complex.
Elite troops are expected to remain in the area until after the tournament.
For decades the area, near Rio’s international airport, has been controlled by some of the city’s most powerful drug gangs.
