Police Attacks Against Drug Lords
The Public Security Secretary for the state of Rio de Janeiro says the fights against gangs in Rio's slums are a "war".
More than 1,300 police and two helicopters were involved with fights against suspected drug traffickers earlier this week, with 19 people killed. Innocent bystanders have been caught in the crossfire reports say.
In an interview with O Globo newspaper, Public Security Secretary Jose Beltrame said police believe there are as many as 850 gangsters armed with hundreds of rifles, grenades, and other artillery in the favelas.
Beltrame said the raids were not connected to the Pan Am Games in any way and have taken place far from the sports venues or tourist haunts.
Rio 2007 has not had any comment so far on the implications of the security sweep for the games.
Despite the coming of the Pan Am Games, police say they will continue their assaults against gangs in the slums.
Since May, as many as 40 people have died and 80 more injured 80 in the crack downs.
Rio Cauldron Arrives
The Pan american Rio 2007 cauldron in the center of Maracaná stadium where the opening ceremony will be held. (CO-RIO)The cauldron for Rio 2007 is ready to be lit. CO-Rio President Carlos Arthur Nuzman and Brazilian sports minister Orlando Silva welcomed the cauldron to Maracana Stadium Thursday.
"It is completely different from anything that has ever been seen. Creativity will certainly mark the opening of the games" Nuzman said.
The cauldron is designed to look like the sun, the flame radiating from the sides, mimicking the sun's rays.
Rosa Magalhaes, the Artistic Director for Ceremonies designed the cauldron which required some innovative engineering to be built by FTC Flames.
The Atlanta based firm built the cauldrons for the Sydney and Athens Olympics.
Brazilian Football Star with Flame
Brazilian football sensation Ronaldinho carried the torch in Porto Alegre, his home town on Friday.
The flame heads to Foz do Iguacu on the western border with Argentina on Saturday.
Reported and compiled by Ed Hula III
ebh3@aroundtherings.com
Your best source for news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.
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