A devastating police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro’s northern favelas has concluded, leaving a grim toll of at least 64 fatalities. This raid, described as the largest and most lethal in the state’s history, saw intense clashes that transformed the urban landscape into what locals described as a “war zone.” Among the deceased were four police officers, with authorities reporting over 80 arrests and the seizure of more than 200kg of drugs and numerous firearms.
The operation, codenamed “Containment,” involved approximately 2,500 security personnel who encountered fierce resistance from the Red Command. Gang members reportedly employed gunfire, set up fiery barricades, and even utilized drones to drop explosives. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern over the scale of the violence and called for thorough investigations into the police actions.
The affected areas, known strongholds of organized crime, remain under heightened security with ongoing road closures. The Red Command has been a significant force in drug trafficking and territorial control across Rio’s favelas. This operation, a culmination of a year-long investigation, highlights the persistent challenges in combating organized crime in Brazil, particularly in the lead-up to major international events like the upcoming COP30 climate summit.