UN slams police operation in Brazil

The UN human rights office has strongly criticised a police raid against suspected drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, amid allegations of abuse and extrajudicial executions, as per a BBC report.

A bloody, hours-long gunbattle echoed into Friday, with authorities saying the police mission killed two dozen criminals while residents and activists claimed human rights abuses.

The deadliest police operation in the city's history has left 28 dead, including a police officer. Residents say police killed suspects who wanted to surrender and entered homes without a warrant. Police have denied any wrongdoing, saying officers acted in self-defence.

Rio de Janeiro has vast areas are under the control of criminals, many of them linked to powerful drug-trafficking gangs. Security forces are often accused of disproportionate force.

Thursday's raid in Jacarezinho was carried out by about 200 heavily armed police officers and included an armoured helicopter with a sniper.

The area is dominated by Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, one of Brazil's largest criminal organisations. A television helicopter filmed men jumping from rooftops, while desperate residents posted videos on social media showing intense shootouts as they claimed police had invaded their houses and used excessive violence.