Updated

Local television stations in Argentina are broadcasting a police operation apparently attempting to capture three of the South American nation's most notorious criminals who recently broke out of prison.

Following in helicopters Thursday, local stations are showing images of dozens of police on foot in a rural area of Santa Fe province, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) northwest of Buenos Aires.

Victor Schialli and brothers Martin and Cristian Lanatta broke out of the General Alvear prison in Buenos Aires province the day after Christmas and have been on the run ever since. They were convicted in 2008 of killing three men allegedly connected to an ephedrine trafficking ring.

Days after the escape, authorities said the men had engaged in a shootout with police and got away. One officer was injured.