DID Press: In one of the bloodiest police operations in Rio de Janeiro’s history, at least 60 people, including four police officers, were killed. The large-scale operation, targeting drug gangs and organized crime in the city’s favelas, has sparked widespread domestic and international reactions.
Local media reported that Tuesday’s operation was part of a broader initiative called “Operation Containment,” aimed at curbing the influence of Comando Vermelho, one of Rio’s main drug trafficking groups.
Claudio Castro, Governor of Rio de Janeiro state, said in a video statement that “60 suspected criminals were neutralized” and 81 others were arrested.
“We want a crime-free Rio de Janeiro and Brazil and will not retreat, because the stronger the public security, the freer the people will be,” he added.
State officials described the operation as the largest security action against Comando Vermelho to date. Around 2,500 police officers, supported by armored vehicles and helicopters, participated. The operation focused on the densely populated, low-income northern neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, traditionally controlled by drug gangs.
Reports indicate that dozens were killed or wounded during the firefights, with stray bullets also hitting some civilians. Several main city roads were temporarily closed due to the clashes.
While the state government frames the operation as necessary to combat crime, critics and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the high level of violence and civilian casualties, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation.