At least 132 people have been killed in what officials are calling Brazil’s deadliest police operation, intensifying global scrutiny days before Rio de Janeiro hosts major climate events linked to the UN COP30 summit.
The updated death toll, confirmed by the Rio public defender’s office, is more than double the initial figure of 64 announced by state authorities on Tuesday. The raid targeted the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) — one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal organizations — in the Penha favela and surrounding areas.
Residents collect bodies as families demand justice
In Penha, residents searching for missing relatives retrieved bodies from wooded areas and lined more than 70 corpses along a street. Families accused security forces of excessive violence.
“I just want to take my son out of here and bury him,” said Taua Brito, among dozens of grieving relatives.
Governor defends the operation
Rio Governor Claudio Castro defended the raid, insisting those killed were gang members who resisted police action.
“The only real victims were the police officers,” Castro told reporters.
He said this was Rio’s largest-ever operation against the Red Command, which controls much of the city’s drug trafficking network.
Political pressure ahead of global climate events
The operation unfolded just one week before Rio hosts two major international events — the C40 Climate Summit and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremonies — both tied to COP30.
The timing has sparked concern that mounting violence could overshadow Brazil’s global image as it prepares to host climate and sustainability delegations.
Human rights outrage
The UN Human Rights Office urged Brazil to uphold international obligations amid reports of execution-style killings, stabbings, and bodies found tied or blindfolded.
Local NGOs warned that the tactics used in densely populated favelas may constitute extrajudicial killings.
Chaos and retaliation across Rio
The raid — involving 2,500 police officers and soldiers, supported by helicopters and armored vehicles — triggered gun battles and widespread citywide shutdowns:
- Schools and universities were closed
- Buses were set ablaze to block roads
- A weaponized drone was reportedly launched at police
Authorities said they seized 93 rifles, over 500 kg of drugs, and made 81 arrests.
Political rift between Rio and federal government
Governor Castro accused President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s federal government of abandoning Rio in its fight against organized crime.
While Lula has not commented publicly, he has called an emergency meeting with top ministers.
The Justice Ministry countered that federal forces have been repeatedly deployed to aid Rio’s operations.
Rights groups, however, argue that mass killings fail to dismantle criminal power structures.
“In thirty days, organized crime will be reorganized,” said Filipe dos Anjos of FAFERJ, a favela residents’ group. “For society, this achieves practically nothing.”
Rio police raid: Key Facts
- Death toll: 132 (including 4 police officers)
- Target: Red Command gang
- Location: Penha & nearby favelas, Rio
- Forces deployed: 2,500 police + soldiers
- Seizures: 93 rifles, 500+ kg drugs, 81 arrests
- Global context: Pre-COP30 events, C40 Summit, Earthshot Prize
- Concerns: UN, NGOs allege extrajudicial killings