Drug war erupts in Rio de Janeiro: Fierce gun battle rages between Brazilian ... trends now
Gun battles and fires have been raging in the streets of Rio de Janeiro today as police launched a crackdown on a violent drug cartel which terrorises the favelas of the Brazilian city.
Police launched raids on the Red Command (Comando Vermelho), a huge organised crime faction which authorities say uses the poor Complexo do Alemão area in the north of the city as a 'bunker'.
Dozens have been killed in similar raids over recent years, with innocent victims reported to have been gunned down by stray bullets in their own homes as police and gang members exchange fire.
At least 350 police officers are said to have been involved in the early morning operation today, including elite troops from the military police equipped with helicopters, armoured vehicles and heavy weapons.
As the sun rose this morning, huge plumes of black smoke could seen rising into the sky above the city, with locals describing their terror as the the streets resembled a warzone.
Dramatic pictures show makeshift barricades in the streets of Rio being consumed by flames
Smoke filled the skies above Complexo do Alemão, Rio de Janeiro this morning, video shows
Burnt out cars were used by gangsters to block police as they aimed to track down criminals in the neighbourhood
Huge plumes of black smoke and flames rose high into the sky in parts of the impoverished neighbourhood
Dramatic footage shared by locals shows how makeshift barricades were set on fire as gangsters retreated from the police, with flames erupting in dangerous proximity to people's homes.
As clouds of smoke fill the sky in one dramatic video, what appear to be tracer bullets are shot over a huge distance as marksmen prepare to take their shots into the overcrowded housing complexes below.
Police also came across a luxury villa which they believe was used by cartel members as a hideout.
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