Deadly Raid in Rio Favelas Leaves Dozens Dead, police Claim Gangs Used Drones
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - A massive police operation targeting drug gangs in the Complexo da Penha and Complexo do Alemao favelas of Rio de Janeiro has resulted in at least 60 deaths of suspected gang members and four police officers, authorities reported Tuesday. The raid, described by State Governor Claudio Castro as the largest in the state’s history, is ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon local time.
This operation marks a significant escalation in Brazil’s ongoing struggle against organized crime and highlights the extreme violence plaguing Rio de janeiro’s impoverished communities. The central government stated the raid aimed to dismantle the expansion of the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) gang,a powerful criminal organization deeply entrenched in the favelas. The high death toll raises concerns about police tactics and the escalating conflict between law enforcement and heavily armed criminal groups,with reports emerging that gangs utilized drones to counter police advances.
Police deployed substantial resources,including two helicopters,32 armored vehicles,and 12 demolition vehicles to breach barricades erected by drug traffickers within the narrow streets of the favelas. The use of heavy equipment underscores the challenges faced by authorities attempting to penetrate these fortified areas.
Prior raids in Rio’s favelas are common,but this operation surpasses previous death tolls,exceeding the 28 fatalities recorded in a 2021 raid. Large-scale police interventions are frequent in Rio, a major tourist destination, as authorities attempt to regain control of neighborhoods ofen dominated by criminal gangs. The ongoing operation signals a renewed effort to address the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and gang violence in the region.