Rio Police Conduct Deadliest Raid in Brazilian History

At least 132 people were killed Tuesday during a massive police operation targeting the Comando Vermelho criminal organization in Rio de Janeiro’s Alemão and Penha favelas. Over 2,500 military and civilian police personnel deployed armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones in the operation planned for over a year.

Gang members responded with gunfire and weaponized drones while constructing burning vehicle barricades. The 12-hour clash resulted in 81 arrests and four police officer deaths, with officials describing intense combat.

Dozens of bodies were displayed in public squares for family identification as casualty figures remained disputed between authorities. Rio Governor Cláudio Castro defended the operation as necessary to combat criminal territorial expansion. (Read More)