At Least 64 Killed in Rio’s Deadliest Police Operation

At Least 64 Killed in Rio’s Deadliest Police Operation
…………

At least 64 people have been killed in Rio de Janeiro’s worst day of violence as more than 2,500 security personnel stormed favelas near the city’s international airport, The Guardian reported. The large-scale predawn raid targeted areas of Alemão and Penha, considered strongholds of the Red Command, one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal factions.

Officials said the operation—dubbed “Operation Containment”—was launched to arrest gang leaders accused of expanding their influence across Rio and other parts of the country. Gun battles erupted as drug traffickers set up barricades, torched vehicles, and reportedly deployed weaponised drones against advancing forces.

By afternoon, authorities confirmed at least 64 fatalities, including four police officers. Eight police personnel and four residents were wounded. More than 80 suspects were arrested, and 75 automatic rifles were seized in what officials called the largest police mission since 2010.

Rio’s governor, Cláudio Castro, described the situation as “a war against narco-terrorism,” saying police had been placed on high alert for potential retaliation. Security Secretary Victor Santos said the operation aimed to curb the Red Command’s growing territorial control. Residents reported hours of continuous gunfire, while activists and human rights groups condemned the bloodshed as excessive and ineffective.

Community journalist Rene Silva criticised authorities for targeting impoverished areas instead of tackling the drug trade’s roots. Opposition politicians called the raid a “state-sponsored massacre,” recalling a 2021 operation that left 28 dead. Witnesses said gunfire persisted into Tuesday evening as fears of further clashes mounted.