Shootouts in Rio - World Cup 2014

[kprm77]

Apparently in one of the latest police raids, the armed drug trafficker gangs shot down a Police Helicopter!





I can imagine security at the World Cup is going to be, erm, challenging.

Guardian Story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/nov/2...

[dreamz]

4 years away yet

and if nothing happened in SA i doubt brazil would allow anything

they'll flood the cities with police/army

[Red rose]

I'm working in Rio at the moment, so have been watching events with interest. 
The trouble started when the authorities decided to move some convicted drug barons from one prison to another. They were unhappy at being moved to a "less co-operative" regime and ordered their minions to send a message  by hijacking buses and burning them as road blocks around the city - issuing a challenge that they would continue to disrupt Rio.
Recent elections have delivered a stronger govt. who decided to stand up to the cartels and took the fight to their organizations. The ordinary Brazilians I am working with are delighted that there has been such a strong stance against the bad guys- but are slightly nervous that they might slip through then net and pop up somewhere else. So far it looks like all is ok and the guys that escaped have faded away... But maybe too early to be sure. Still huge police & military presence on the streets, but most agree it is reassuring, not intimidating.
Overall conclusion ... The govt want the  world cup & olympics to be a success and this is part of the preparations.
Rio is a wonderful city and some improvements to the crime & security situation these events will be amazing!
Anyway, enjoy the snow ... It was 30 degrees here this evening and a swim at Imanema was wonderful after work!
Cheers
Ian

[johnnywb]

I've always thought it would spice up those 'Police Camera Action' shows, if as the heicopter was following a car the unroof opened and someone stood up with a shoulder launched SAM.


Rio sound like a crazy place.