Shootouts have erupted in several areas of Rio de Janeiro, prompting Brazilian authorities to shut roads and close schools.
Rio Governor Luiz Fernando Pezaotoday asked Army troops to provide backup in Rocinha, Rio's largest slum. Pezao told reporters that military police were moving on heavily armed drug traffickers.
Several thousand troops were deployed in August to try to curb rising violence a year after Rio hosted the Summer Olympics. However, the troops have mostly been patrolling, not engaging with traffickers.
Shootings were also reported in Alemao, Dona Marta, Vila Kennedy and Chapeu Mangueira.
Several roads were closed. Several schools closed or announced they were keeping students inside until the situation calms down.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
