Brazilian forces search Rio's largest slum amid crackdown
More than 1,000 Brazilian police and soldiers are searching Rio de Janeiro's largest slum for weapons and ammunition amid a crackdown on drug gangs.
Soldiers take part in an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017.(AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
An army soldier takes position during an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
In recent weeks, a series of intense shootouts led Brazilian authorities to ask the military for help patrolling the perimeter of Rocinha.
The press office of the police said there was one confrontation during Tuesday's operation, but it did not have additional details.
Women cradle their babies as they walk past a soldier during an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Army soldiers take position during an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Rio, which has long struggled with crime, is experiencing its worst wave of violence in a decade amid a national economic crisis.
About 8,500 troops were deployed in August to curb violence a year after Rio hosted the Summer Olympics.
A soldier stands guard during an operation against drug gangs, in the Rocinha slum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
A woman moves her baby inside while a soldier patrols during an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
A soldier stands guard next to a wall tagged with the acronym "CV" identifying the criminal organization "Comando Vermelho" or Red Command, during an operation at the Rocinha slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)