At least 132 people have been killed in what officials say is the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, intensifying global scrutiny just days before the city hosts major climate events linked to the UN COP30 summit.
The updated death toll – confirmed by Rio’s public defender’s office – is more than double the original figure released on Tuesday by state authorities, which reported 64 deaths, including four police officers. The attack targeted Comando Vermelho (Red Command), one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal gangs operating across Rio’s favelas.
Bodies collected by residents as families demand ‘justice’
In the Penha favela, residents searching for missing relatives fished out bodies from the surrounding woods and lined the street with more than 70 corpses. Grieving families accused the authorities of excessive force and described the scene as a “massacre”.
“I want to take my son out of here and bury him,” Taua Brito said among dozens of relatives gathered at the site.
The governor defends the force
Rio’s governor, Claudio Castro, insisted that those killed were criminals who “resisted police action,” adding that the gunfights took place in a wooded area.
“The only real victims were the police officers,” Castro told reporters.
He said it was the biggest operation to date in Rio against the Red Command, which had spread drug smuggling to many favelas.
Global events increase political pressure
The crackdown unfolded a week before Rio welcomes:
-Prince William’s Earthshot Prize events
The violence threatens to overshadow preparations for COP30-related meetings and Brazil’s security image as it hosts large international delegations.
Human rights are clamoring for an investigation
The UN Human Rights Office called on Brazil to comply with its legal obligations due to concerns about:
– Execution style killing (head and back shots)
-Stabbed and tied bodies, according to local activists
-Military style tactics in densely populated areas
-NGOs warn that the operation may amount to extrajudicial killings.
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Chaos across the Rio as gangs take revenge
The raid – involving 2,500 police and soldiers with helicopters and armored vehicles – sparked gunfire and disruption of the city:
-Schools and universities closed
-Roads blocked by buses used as barricades
– An armed drone allegedly flew at the police
Authorities also reported:
-Seized over half a ton of drugs
Political clash between Rio and Brazil
Castro accused the federal government of leaving Rio “alone in this war.”
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not comment publicly, but called an emergency meeting with top ministers.
Brazil’s Justice Ministry countered that national forces were repeatedly deployed to assist security operations in Rio.
Criminal organizations continue to expand nationwide, including in the Amazon region. Human rights groups warn that mass killings do not weaken the power of gangs.
“In thirty days, organized crime will be reorganized,” said Filipe dos Anjos of FAFERJ. “It will accomplish virtually nothing for society.”
Rio police raid: Key points
Number of victims: 132 (including 4 policemen)
Operation: Targeted Red Command gang
Location: Penha and surrounding favelas, Rio
Security forces: 2,500 officers + soldiers
Seizures: 93 rifles, >500 kg of drugs; 81 arrested
Global Context: Ahead of COP30 Climate Events
Rights concerns: UN calls for investigation
(With inputs from AP, Reuters)
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