At least 64 killed in Rio de Janeiro as 2,500 heavily armed police officers undertake war-like drug raids

At least 64 people have been killed in Rio de Janeiro after 2,500 police officers launched a massive raid on drug traffickers which has left the city burning in chaos. Heavily armed officers backed with 32 ballistic-resistant vehicles, two helicopters, 12 demolition vehicles and drones descended on two favela neighbourhoods in the northern region of Rio on Tuesday afternoon. Gunfire rang out for miles near RIOgaleão International Airport, and smoke could be seen billowing from the raging fires which broke out several hours after the busts began. Residents in the impoverished neighbourhoods scrambled for cover and shops closed their doors amid police claims that the gangs were retaliating with drones of their own. The Brazillian government said it launched the blitz to halt the narcotics network of a gang called Comando Vermelho - meaning Red Command - from expanding its operations.