At least 18 people were killed in yet another violent police operation in Rio de Janeiro, this time in Complexo do Alemão.
The Public Defender's Office counted at least 20, including Leticia Marinho, 50, who was just passing by. Military and civil police said the balance was partial. Leticia's death will be investigated.
The operation, which began at dawn and lasted 12 hours, was the fifth deadliest in Rio's history. Among the dead is Corporal Bruno de Paula Costa, 38, who was hit in an attack on the Nova Brasília UPP base.
The remaining bodies, still unidentified, were taken to the local Emergency Care Unit and to the Getúlio Vargas State Hospital, some of them carried on tarpaulins by residents. The police declared that all "died in confrontation."
About 400 agents participated in the operation , which seized a .50 machine gun (capable of taking down a helicopter), four rifles and two pistols. Four men were arrested.
According to the police, the target was a gang that steals cars and cargo and could attack banks.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon