Drug gangs' attacks bring chaos to Rio de Janeiro

Revenge attacks by drug gangs brought chaos to Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, blocking one of the city's major highways, setting fire to vehicles and causing panic among the public.

According to local media, the attacks were retaliations against a police operation in the Cidade Alta slum, which is currently being disputed by two drug gangs.

The two gangs had been engaging in armed conflicts which constantly left residents in crossfire.

Police carried out an operation in the slum on Tuesday morning to end the drug war, arresting 45 people and seizing 32 rifles, 10 hand grenades, as well as other weaponry. Two men were killed in crossfire with policemen.

In retaliation, the drug dealers decided to set fire to vehicles on Brasil Avenue, one of the main highways in Rio, which crosses the city's northern and western areas, connecting residential areas to the center.

The gangsters aimed at causing chaos and scaring off the public. Nine buses and two cargo trucks were set on fire, blocking the highway and causing panic in drivers as two buses were looted.

A serious traffic jam blocked several parts of the city. Classes involving 12,000 students had been suspended due to the chaos and shootings. Commuters had problems getting to work in the morning.

Police Chief Carlos Leba said the order to block the highway and set fire to vehicles came from a criminal in a jail outside Rio state, whose identity was not disclosed.

Rio state governor Luiz Fernando Pezao said he called President Michel Temer and asked for federal help. Endi