Brazilian security forces raid Rio slums ahead of World Cup

A couple walks past a Navy armored vehicle during an operation to occupy the Mare slum complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 30, 2014.

The Mare complex of slums, home to about 130,000 people and located near the international airport, is the latest area targeted for the government's "pacification" program, which sees officers move in, push out drug gangs and set up permanent police posts in the city's efforts to improve security ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

All photos taken in the Mare slum complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 30, 2014.

Rio de Janeiro

Police helicopters fly over the Mare slum complex during it's occupation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 30, 2014.

Rio de Janeiro

A young resident looks through a bullet proof window as she stands inside a police armored vehicle after a police operation to occupy the Vila Pinheiro, part of the Mare slum complex.

Rio de Janeiro

Residents look on as Brazilian military police officers patrol.

Rio de Janeiro

A military police officer rides a horse past residents.

Rio de Janeiro

Residents play soccer at the Nova Holanda, part of the Mare slum complex in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro

Special operations battalion Police officers patrol during an operation to occupy the Nova Holanda.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian military police patrol after entering the unpacified Complexo da Mare.

Rio de Janeiro

Navy armored vehicles are seen during an operation.

Rio de Janeiro

Special operations battalion Police officers search for drugs and weapons inside wash machines stored on a sidewalk during an operation against gangs of drug traffickers.