A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives during a police crackdown on the Red Command gang in the northern suburbs of Rio de Janeiro – marking the most extensive and deadly raid in the annals of the Brazilian state’s history.
Four police personnel were among the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha regions, as stated by state Governor Cláudio Castro. Over 80 individuals have been detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 security forces advanced on Tuesday morning. The Red Command (Comando Vermelho) retaliated with gunfire, fiery blockades, and drone-dropped explosives, according to officials.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed its “horror” at the police operation, calling for “swift and thorough investigations”.
The favela region near Rio’s airport is recognized as the base of one of Brazil’s most formidable organized crime syndicates.
State authorities reported that a minimum of 50 individuals killed were “identified by police as alleged criminals”.
Numerous people sustained injuries, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Residents have compared the hilly region – home to around 300,000 inhabitants – to a “combat zone” since the operation commenced.
Roads throughout the area remain barricaded.
The Red Command group has been extending its influence across Rio state, enhancing drug trafficking routes and asserting control over the hillside favelas.
Rio’s police reported the confiscation of more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics during the raid, in addition to numerous firearms.
This collaborative operation by civil and military police follows a year-long inquiry.
Many of the suspects are believed to be affiliated with a faction from the Pará state who are currently in hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Extensive police actions are commonplace in Brazil in anticipation of significant international events in the South American country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.
