Rio de Janeiro Raid: Death Toll Reaches 64 in Operation Against Red Command
At least 64 people, including four police officers, were killed yesterday during a large-scale police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the northern suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, marking the deadliest raid in the Brazilian state’s history.
The operation, dubbed “Containment,” began Tuesday morning when approximately 2,500 security personnel moved into the Alemão and Penha districts, strongholds of the Comando Vermelho. State Governor Cláudio Castro confirmed the casualties, stating that more than 80 people were arrested during the clashes. Officials reported that gang members responded with gunfire, burning barricades, and deploying explosives dropped from drones. The area, a complex of favelas near Rio’s airport, is a key hub for one of Brazil’s most powerful organized crime groups, and the escalating violence highlights the ongoing struggle for control of Rio’s criminal underworld.
According to state officials, at least 50 of those killed are believed to be gang members. Dozens more were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire, turning the hillside communities – home to around 300,000 people – into what residents have described as a “war zone.” More than 200kg of drugs and numerous firearms were seized during the raid, which followed a year-long investigation. The UN Human Rights Office expressed its concern, calling for “prompt and effective investigations” into the events. You can learn more about the challenges of policing in favelas from Human Rights Watch.
Roads throughout the region remain closed as authorities continue to secure the area. The Red Command has been expanding its influence across Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control over favelas, a trend that prompted this aggressive response. This operation comes as Brazil prepares to host the UN climate summit COP30 in Belém in November, raising concerns about security measures ahead of major international events – see the official COP30 website for more information.
Authorities stated they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and pursue any remaining suspects, including those believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
