Eleven people have been shot dead in a raid to capture the leaders of the biggest drug-trafficking organisation in Rio de Janeiro, police have said.
The operation targeting crime gang Comando Vermelho took place in a slum on the north side of the Brazilian city.
Heavy shooting began around 4am on Tuesday in a wooded area next to Vila Cruzeiro, according to residents who posted on social media.
Of those who died, 10 were suspected gang members who opened fire at police with automatic weapons.
The other was a 41-year-old woman named Gabriele Cunha, who was hit by a stray bullet during the shoot-out.
Colonel Ivan Blaz said: “It was a very intense confrontation.”
He said Ms Cunha could have been hit by a shot fired from inside Vila Cruzeiro.
Metallica baby: Woman gives birth at Brazil stadium show ‘as band plays Enter Sandman’
Leonardo DiCaprio: Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro locks horns with eco-activist star over election call
Brazil carnivals: Celebrations return to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo after break for pandemic
Read more:
Thousands protest over violence against women in Brazil
Eight shot dead as police hunt for gang in Rio favela
Police seized pistols, rifles, cars, and motorbikes used by the criminal gang, he added.
Last year, 28 people lost their lives in violence in Rio’s slums, particularly during exchanges between police and drug traffickers.
