Rio police take control of slum from drug gangs

RIO police backed by helicopters and armoured vehicles invaded a shantytown complex long held by traffickers yesterday, quickly taking over the key drug gang stronghold in a historic victory meant to help make the city safe for the 2016 Olympics.

Black-clad officers poured into the Alemao slum complex just after sunrise amid heavy fire, with helicopters flying low to support the men on the ground. But the officers encountered less resistance than expected, even if many gang members still remained inside.

“We won,” said Mario Sergio Duarte, head of Rio state’s military police. “We brought freedom to the residents of Alemao.”