Elite military police unit BOPE to protect Rio de Janeiro in World Cup 2014

Check out our official website: http://us.tomonews.net/
Check out our Android app: http://goo.gl/PtT6VD
Check out our iOS app: http://bit.ly/1gO3z1f

----------------------------------------­---------------------

BOPE, the elite division of Rio de Janeiro's military police, will be on standby to police the city during the World Cup.

In addition to counter-terrorism operations, the squad will also be tasked with dealing with football hooligans if post-World Cup partying spirals out of control.

The special unit's logo is a skull pierced by a knife and two golden pistols. According to MSN News, the symbol signifies armed combat, war and death. It is also thought to emanate protective powers.

Only the best of Rio de Janeiro's military police can gain a spot in the 400-strong division. All officers have to serve on the capital's slums for six years at minimum before their seniors recommend them to enroll in the selection tests.

BOPE officers have to endure a demanding training regime that covers jungle warfare and hostage rescue. Other routine exercises include running and martial arts.

The squad has seen its fair share of controversy, as it is often criticised of using excessive force. One of the most well known incidents occurred in 1997, when officers were dispatched to a favela to deal with a drug gang ahead of Pope John Paul II's visit. In the four-month operation, the squad killed about 30 people and arrested 30. At least two innocent bystanders were killed.

----------------------------------------­---------------------

Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look at viral headlines, US news, celebrity gossip, salacious scandals, dumb criminals and much more! Subscribe now for daily news animations that will knock your socks off.

Check out our Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextmedia.gan
Check out our iOS app: https://itunes.apple.com/app/tomonews/id633875353

For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS

Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt-WqkTyKK1_70U4bb4k4lQ?sub_confirmation=1

Stay connected with us here:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS
Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS
Google+ http://plus.google.com/+TomoNewsUS/
Instagram @tomonewsus http://instagram.com/tomonewsus