How a Rio police operation turned into one of Brazil’s deadliest: Video
A large-scale police operation in Rio has left more than 100 people dead, raising serious questions about the use of force and accountability.
Authorities say the raid targeted the Red Command, one of Brazil’s most powerful drug gangs, in two of Rio’s favela zones. Gunfights erupted early Tuesday as more than 2,500 officers and soldiers moved in with helicopters and armoured vehicles.
Officials claim they killed armed criminals who resisted arrest, captured over 80 suspects, and seized dozens of rifles and drugs.
Rio’s governor described the operation as a fight against narco-terrorism and declared the city “at war.”
However, human rights groups and witnesses paint a far darker picture, calling the incident a “massacre.” Locals reported seeing bodies in the streets, some apparently shot execution-style. Others described injuries consistent with stabbings and even decapitation.
The raid comes just days before major global events in Brazil, including the Earthshot Prize and COP30 climate talks.
Unanswered questions remain, including how many of those killed were gang members and how many were innocent residents caught in the crossfire.
Critics fear the operation marks yet another escalation in Rio’s long cycle of violence between police and gangs, leaving already traumatised communities in deeper distress.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
