Rio de Janeiro Drug War

01. An armored police vehicle patrols the Mandela 2 slum in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010.

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

Living in the slums aka favelas of Rio de Janeiro is no laughing matter at the best of times as our Heaven and Hell series showed you, but the last couple of days have showed us that it is not just Mexico which has a drug war on its hands. Armed gangs and the special BOPE police have been fighting it out on the streets of the infamous Vila Cruzeiro favela. The aim of the police is to break the power of the drug gangs in the favela, but if a show of force is the right way to go about achieving this remains to be seen. In the meantime the bullets keep flying, the residents fear for their lives and the drugs keep being dealt.
UPDATE 29 Nov 2010: We have added more images of the final assault on some of the slums and drug dealer dens. 46 People are known to have been killed in the violence which has lasted almost a week, but the police, BOPE, army and navy did finally reclaim some of the slums from the drug gangs.

02. Policemen carry a suspected drug trafficker after a shootout as they conduct a raid on drug gangs at the Mandela 2 slum in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

03. Policemen carry a suspected drug trafficker after a shootout as they conduct a raid on drug gangs at the Mandela 2 slum in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

04. A policeman runs as he patrols the Mandela 2 slum in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

05. A police booth riddled with bullet holes is seen at Del Castilho neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

06. A girl and her mother look from their house during a police operation at the Mandela 2 slum in Rio de Janeiro November 23, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled on Tuesday to control a third day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence raises further questions over the beach-side city's ability to host safely the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, which it was awarded just over a year ago. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

07. Residents look at a burnt bus after an attack in the Vicente de Carvalho neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence believed to be orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

08. A policeman walks near a burnt bus after an attack at the Vicente de Carvalho neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence believed to be orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

09. Policemen talk near a burnt bus after an attack at the Vicente de Carvalho neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence believed to be orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

10. Policemen patrol the Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

11. Policemen take position during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

12. A policeman runs during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

13. A policeman checks students during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

14. Policemen patrol the Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

15. A policeman patrols the Jacarezinho sluma as children look out from their house in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

16. A policeman checks suspects during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

17. An armoured police vehicle patrols the Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

18. Policemen patrol the Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

19. A cat walks past by policemen during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

20. A policeman checks suspects during operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

21. A policeman checks suspects during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

22. Policemen run during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

23. A policeman takes position during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

24. A man carrying his child walks past policemen during an operation at Jacarezinho slum in Rio de Janeiro November 24, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fourth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

25. Residents look at a burnt bus after an attack in the Penha neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control the fifth day of violence believed to be orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Bruno Donmingos

26. Residents look at a burnt bus after an attack in the Penha neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control the fifth day of violence believed to be orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Bruno Donmingos

27. Navy armored vehicles patrol during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

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29. A police armored vehicle drives along a street at the Vila Cruzeiro slum during an operation in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

28. Policemen patrol a street during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. Penha church is seen in the background. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

30. Policemen patrol a street during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes (BRAZIL - Tags: CRIME LAW CIVIL UNREST)

31. Policemen run during a shootout with traffickers during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

32. A policeman is seen during a shootout with traffickers during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

33. Policemen run during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

34. Policemen patrol a street during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

35. Policemen take positions during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

36. Policemen check people during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

37. Policemen take positions during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

38. A policeman takes position next to a logo of the Brazilian national soccer team during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

39. A policeman checks a man during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes (BRAZIL - Tags: CIVIL UNREST)

40. Policemen stand guard as another officer enters an armored Navy vehicle during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

41. A police officer runs near other officers taking position during a shootout with traffickers during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles.REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

42. Police officers take position during a shootout with traffickers during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro struggled to control a fifth day of violence apparently orchestrated by drug gang members who have attacked police stations and burned cars in the Brazilian city. The wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and vehicles. Suspected drug gang members ordered people out of their cars on expressways and then set fire to the vehicles.REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

43. Drug gang members leave the Vila Cruzeiro slum after a police operation in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/TV Globo

44. Drug gang members leave the Vila Cruzeiro slum after a police operation in Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/TV Globo

45. A bus burns on Presidente Vargas avenue in downtown Rio de Janeiro November 25, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Cleber Junior/Ag O Globo

46. A bus burns on Maria da Graca neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

47. A man rides his bike near a burning bus on Maria da Graca neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

48. Brazil's Navy personnel patrol with armored vehicles during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

49. Brazil's Navy personnel patrol in an armoured vehicle during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

50. Brazilian Navy personnel looks on during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

51. Police officers stand next to a row of fallen motorcycles during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

52. An army soldier takes position during an operation at Nova Brasilia slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

53. An army soldier looks out over an armoured vehicle during an operation at Nova Brasilia slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

54. A resident runs next to policemen during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

55. Armed suspected drug gang members take position as a motorcyclist rides past during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

56. An armed suspected drug gang member takes position during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

57. Armed suspected drug gang members take position during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

58. Armed suspected drug gang members take positions during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes (BRAZIL - Tags: CRIME LAW CIVIL UNREST IMAGES OF THE DAY)

59. Army soldiers take position during an operation at Morro do Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

60. Residents run next to policemen during an operation at Grota slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

61. Policemen give covering fire as a colleague runs during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

62. A man injured by a bullet reacts, during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years.REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

63. A man injured by a bullet is carried by residents during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

64. A man injured by a bullet reacts (C) as he is helped by residents during an operation at Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

65. An army soldier takes position during an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

66. An army soldier takes position during an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. A wave of violence began on Sunday with attacks on police stations and burning of vehicles, actions Rio's top security official said were ordered by imprisoned gang members. Authorities say the attacks are a protest by traffickers after being forced from their turf by police occupations of more than a dozen slums in the past two years. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

67. A handcuffed suspected who was apprehended during an operation at Alemao slum sits in a police bus in Rio de Janeiro November 27, 2010. Police in Rio de Janeiro gave drug traffickers holed up in the hillside slum an ultimatum on Saturday to turn themselves in and help put an end to a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

68. A photographer takes his position behind an empty water tank during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 27, 2010. Police in Rio de Janeiro gave drug traffickers holed up in the hillside slum an ultimatum on Saturday to turn themselves in and help put an end to a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

69. A woman runs during a shooting at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 27, 2010. Police in Rio de Janeiro gave drug traffickers holed up in the hillside slum an ultimatum on Saturday to turn themselves in and help put an end to a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

70. Policemen mount an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

71. An army soldier takes position during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

72. Army soldiers patrol the Alemao slum during an operation in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

73. A policeman runs during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

74. Policemen mount an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

75. Army soldiers and policemen take position during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

76. Police walk during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

77. Police arrest a suspected drug dealer during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

78. Police carry apprehended drugs and weapons found during an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

79. Police arrest a suspected drug dealer during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police positioned armored vehicles on the edge of a Rio de Janeiro slum at dusk on Saturday in preparation for a possible offensive to root out drug traffickers behind a wave of urban violence that has killed at least 46 people. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

80. A general view of Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

81. Police arrest a suspected drug dealer during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

82. Police arrest a suspected drug dealer during an operation at Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

83. Bullets are seen during an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

84. A policeman holds packs of marijuana during an operation at the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

85. A police helicopter flies overhead after authorities confiscated cocaine upon invading the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

86. Police wait near packs of confiscated cocaine upon invading the Alemao slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

87. Police place a Brazilian national flag atop the Alemao hill after invading the slum in Rio de Janeiro November 28, 2010. Police and troops occupied the Rio de Janeiro slum on Sunday and were conducting a house-to-house search for drug traffickers behind a crime wave in the beachside city last week that killed at least 46. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes