In Rio de Janeiro, the death toll resulting from a major police operation targeting a notorious gang has climbed to 119, which includes four police officers, as confirmed by Brazilian authorities on Wednesday. The operation, involving 2,500 police and soldiers, took place in two low-income neighborhoods of the city, resulting in clashes. The number of suspected gang members arrested increased to 113 from the initial count of 81, according to police spokesperson Felipe Curi.
Described as one of the most violent incidents in Brazil’s recent history, the operation faced criticism from human rights organizations, urging thorough investigations into the fatalities. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski expressed shock over the casualties, mentioning that the federal government was not informed in advance of the raids. He plans to hold discussions with provincial officials in Rio.
The police action, which utilized helicopters and armored vehicles, targeted the infamous Red Command gang in the sprawling favelas of Complexo de Alemao and Penha. The timing of the raid coincided with Rio preparing to host the C40 global summit on climate change, leading up to the upcoming COP30 United Nations climate summit in Belem.
The United Nations’ human rights body condemned the deadly police operation, calling for comprehensive investigations and emphasizing international human rights law obligations. Human Rights Watch’s Brazil director, César Muñoz, described the events as a “huge tragedy” and stressed the need for independent investigations into the circumstances surrounding each death.
The aftermath of the operation saw social media footage depicting fire and smoke emanating from the favelas, accompanied by gunfire. Schools in the affected areas were closed, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro suspended night classes, advising people on campus to seek shelter. Reports indicated that suspected gang members obstructed roads in retaliation, commandeering around 70 buses for blockades, causing significant disruption.
The police action followed a year-long investigation into the criminal group, according to law enforcement officials. Political figures expressed differing views on the incident, with calls for enhanced government support to combat crime and references to existing measures against organized crime. The Red Command gang, originating from Rio’s prisons, has extended its influence in favelas in recent years.
Rio, known for enduring lethal police raids over the years, witnessed a substantial loss of life in this recent operation. Sociologist and public safety expert Luis Flavio Sapori highlighted the unprecedented scale of casualties, labeling them as “war numbers.” He criticized the operation’s efficiency, pointing out that it primarily targets lower-ranking individuals rather than the masterminds, leading to a cycle of replacements within criminal factions.
Criticism of the operation extended to the Marielle Franco Institute, a non-profit organization established by the family of the late councilwoman, emphasizing the detrimental impact of such actions on the lives of marginalized communities. The institute condemned the operation as a form of “extermination policy,” creating a precarious existence for Black and impoverished individuals.
The controversial police operation in Rio de Janeiro has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability in the aftermath of the deadly raid.