Dozens Killed As Shooting Rocks Rio de Janeiro

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – Dozens of people, including a police officer, were shot and killed Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most violent states and cities, officials said.

Local media reported that at least 23 people were killed in the shootout during a police operation in Rio de Janeiro’s troubles Jacarezinho area.

Media quoted Civil Police as saying that more than 200 officers participated in the operation against rampant organized crime.

Two passengers on a metro train were reportedly hit by bullets but survived, O Globo newspaper said.

Civil Police in the city confirmed the death of one of their officers, police inspector Andre Leonardo de Mello Frias. A statement on the Facebook website said, “he honored the profession he loved and will be missed.”

Vast areas of Rio de Janeiro controlled by criminals, many of them linked to powerful drug-trafficking groups. The massacre was the latest in a series of violent incidents shaking the area and Brazil, which is also dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

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