Massive Police Raid Leaves 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro
In what authorities are calling the deadliest police operation in Rio de Janeiro's history, at least 64 people were killed during a massive raid targeting the notorious Comando Vermelho (Red Command) drug cartel. The operation, which involved over 2,500 military and civilian police officers, resulted in the deaths of 60 suspected criminals and 4 police officers, including two elite BOPE unit members.
'War Scene' in Rio's Favelas
The operation, named 'Operation Containment,' targeted the Penha and Alemão favela complexes, home to nearly 300,000 residents. According to eyewitness accounts reported by Globo, the confrontation resembled a 'war scene' with approximately 200 shots exchanged within the first minute of engagement. 'It sounded like a battlefield - constant gunfire, explosions, and people screaming,' described one resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
Police deployed two helicopters, thirty armored vehicles, and twelve 'demolition trucks' to break through burning barricades erected by cartel members. In a concerning escalation of tactics, criminals reportedly used grenade-launching drones to attack police positions, marking a new level of sophistication in gang warfare.
Civilian Casualties and Arrests
Among the injured were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. A homeless man and a woman working out in a local gym were struck by stray bullets, highlighting the collateral damage in densely populated urban areas. 'We're seeing innocent people pay the price for this conflict,' said human rights activist Maria Silva from Amnesty International Brazil.
Authorities arrested 81 suspects and seized 75 rifles, two pistols, and nine motorcycles. The operation represents the largest coordinated action against the Comando Vermelho, Brazil's oldest active criminal organization founded in 1979. Rio de Janeiro State Governor Cláudio Castro described the situation as 'narcoterrorism' and warned that the death toll could rise as the operation continues.
Historical Context and International Implications
This operation surpasses the previous record of 28 fatalities from a 2021 Jacarezinho favela raid. Rio police have frequently conducted major operations ahead of international events, including the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. The timing is particularly significant with upcoming climate events in the city, including the Earthshot Prize ceremony on November 5 and the COP30 climate summit in Belém next month.
'This level of violence threatens to overshadow Brazil's important role in global climate leadership,' noted security analyst Carlos Mendez from InSight Crime. The operation forced the closure of 45 schools and disrupted public transportation throughout Rio, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
The Comando Vermelho controls significant territory in Rio and has expanded operations throughout Brazil and neighboring countries. With an estimated 30,000 members, the organization remains a major challenge for Brazilian authorities despite ongoing pacification efforts.