A walk through the dangerous favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the company of Brazilian special forces
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are inexorably approaching, and Brazil is waiting for more than half a million tourists from all over the world to visit. Given the level of banditry in Rio de Janeiro, local officials have declared war on large-scale organized crime, especially the drug mafia, which has settled in numerous slums - favelas. About 25% of the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro live in favelas, literally living on each other's heads. Drug lords rule in these parts and shots are often heard.
When the police can't cope, you have to turn to the special forces. The battalion for police Special Operations (Special Police Operations Battalion, abbreviated as BOPE) is an elite unit of the military, which many residents of Rio are afraid of, and not only criminals. Some believe that the existence of BOPE is more evil than good. Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused these special forces of extrajudicial killings and corruption. The battalion's emblem features a knife in the skull, its soldiers wear black uniforms and drive black cars. It is not difficult to guess about their methods of eradicating crime. However, being the last hope of the Rio de Janeiro police, BOPE seems to be the only way to get rid of the drug trade in the favelas to ensure safety for tourists coming to the Olympics.
(21 photos in total)
A member of the BOPE battalion patrols the roof of a school while on duty in the Rocinha slum.
Aerial view of the Rocinha slum, one of the many favelas in Rio de Janeiro.
The elite military police unit BOPE entered the territory of the restive Complexo da Mare, one of the largest favelas in Rio.
A BOPE officer reads notes — presumably from drug dealers — listing the amounts paid to people who informed criminals of the presence of the police.
A BOPE officer walks past a bullet-strewn wall during one of the operations.
A man reads a newspaper while BOPE takes up positions during a raid on the slums of Mangueira.
An elderly woman met on the way with members of BOPE, who are searching houses in search of weapons and drugs.
BOPE officers carry weapons and use tactics not available to ordinary police officers.
The close location of houses in favelas complicates the work of BOPE officers. Given that gangs and armed groups in favelas are very well organized, BOPE officers undergo intensive training.
A BOPE officer listens to the sounds outside the door while walking around the territory.
A member of BOPE found a young couple sleeping when he searched the houses for weapons and drugs.
Wearing an emblem with a skull, BOPE terrifies criminals operating in favelas.
A BOPE officer searches a man in a favela. The battalion is engaged not only in the fight against organized crime, but also performs a peaceful mission in communities, organizing meetings of residents and sporting events.
Night raids can be good or evil for BOPE officers. Often criminals who have radar equipment know about the upcoming raid even before the special forces enter the territory of the favela.
Their motto "Victory over Death" is not only evidence of their determination, but also confirmation of the fact that even the slightest mistake can cost them their lives.
A BOPE officer who was shot while on patrol is a common thing. Given the danger of the situation in the slums, even the operators documenting the work of the battalion can easily find themselves in the middle of a firefight.
BOPE officers gain valuable experience before the upcoming Olympic Games by simulating crime scenarios, one of which is depicted in the photo: the action takes place on a train near the Maracana Stadium.
Ensuring a peaceful life in every favela and its many nooks and crannies is tedious work, especially when you have to wear full uniforms.
BOPE members take up positions on the roof of a school in the Rocinha slum.
Each BOPE officer undergoes additional training in fighting in the city and jungle. They even hold seminars on mixed martial arts with such famous fighters as Anderson Silva.
Fog thickens around the statue of Christ the Redeemer, under which the Cantagalu favela is located. The Olympics begin next month, and only time will tell what fruits the peacekeeping efforts of the Brazilian special forces will bring.
Keywords: Army | Security | Brazil | Olympic games | Crime | Rio de janeiro | Special forces | Favelas