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28 November 2010
Last updated at 05:42 ET
Brazilian security forces have begun to move into a major Rio de Janeiro slum, after warning drug traffickers to surrender or face an assault.
Exchanges of fire were heard in the area near the Alemao favela, where several hundred alleged drug dealers are believed to still be hiding.
Hundreds of police and soldiers, some in armoured vehicles, surrounded the slum on Saturday.
Dozens have died in the offensive since it began a week ago.
Authorities say the operation aims to make the city safer ahead of the World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016.
'Respond with force' Some 2,600 paratroopers, marines, members of elite force of police and military police, supported by tanks and helicopters, are starting to enter favela da Grota, part of the larger Alemao complex of slums in northern Rio.
Drug gangs have fought back over the past week, firing on police and setting cars and buses ablaze.
A deadline given to drug gangs to give themselves up ran out at sunset on Saturday, and police warned they would use violence if necessary.
"We want them to turn themselves in peacefully," said police spokesman Henrique Lima Castro Saraiva.
"We do not want a bloodbath, but if they call us to war we will respond with force."
Reports suggested Saturday night was the calmest in a week, with only one volley of gunfire heard, as security forces remained poised to move into the favela.
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Exchanges of fire were heard in the area near the Alemao favela, where several hundred alleged drug dealers are believed to still be hiding.
Hundreds of police and soldiers, some in armoured vehicles, surrounded the slum on Saturday.
Dozens have died in the offensive since it began a week ago.
Authorities say the operation aims to make the city safer ahead of the World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016.
'Respond with force' Some 2,600 paratroopers, marines, members of elite force of police and military police, supported by tanks and helicopters, are starting to enter favela da Grota, part of the larger Alemao complex of slums in northern Rio.
Drug gangs have fought back over the past week, firing on police and setting cars and buses ablaze.
A deadline given to drug gangs to give themselves up ran out at sunset on Saturday, and police warned they would use violence if necessary.
"We want them to turn themselves in peacefully," said police spokesman Henrique Lima Castro Saraiva.
"We do not want a bloodbath, but if they call us to war we will respond with force."
Reports suggested Saturday night was the calmest in a week, with only one volley of gunfire heard, as security forces remained poised to move into the favela.
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