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“A small war took place last week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between Brazilian forces and hundreds of drug traffickers holed up in the shantytown complex dubbed Complexo do Alemão. After recent efforts by officials to pacify Rio’s drug and gang-related violence ahead of the upcoming the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Games, drug gangs struck out last week - attacking police stations and staging mass robberies. After days of preparation, Brazilian security forces launched a raid in the Complexo do Alemão, where between 500 and 600 drug traffickers were holed up. At least 42 people were killed in the violence last week, with security forces taking control of many neighborhoods. A relatively low number of arrests were made, and authorities warn of further conflict as continue to flush out more suspects in Rio’s maze of favelas.” - The Boston Globe

“A bus burns on Maria da Graca neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro November 26, 2010. (REUTERS/Sergio Moraes) #”

“Policemen search a cocaine refining laboratory during the raid in the Morro do Alemão shantytown on November 28, 2010 in Rio de Janeiro. (JEFFERSON BERNARDES/AFP/Getty Images) #”

“A boy with the word “Peace” written in his forehead looks on during a protest at the Complexo do Alemão slum in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) #”

“A boy stands outside his house as motorcycles burn at the Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, Nov. 26, 2010. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) #”

“Soldiers aim their weapons during an operation against drug traffickers at the Complexo do Alemão slum in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) #”