‘Narco-terrorism’ raid leaves at least 64 dead in Rio’s deadliest-ever police operation

At least 64 people lost their lives in what has been described as the deadliest police operation ever carried out in Rio de Janeiro. The massive raid targeted a notorious gang just days before the city was scheduled to host several high-profile events connected to the upcoming United Nations COP30 climate summit. Among those killed were four police officers, and authorities warned that the death toll could rise as the operation was still underway. In addition to the fatalities, 81 suspects were arrested and 42 rifles confiscated during the intense crackdown. Governor Cláudio Castro of Rio de Janeiro State confirmed that the death toll was more than double the number from the city’s previous deadliest police action. He emphasized the government’s determination to confront what he termed "narco-terrorism," highlighting the scale of the operation that involved around 2,500 security personnel. The raids extended across the Alemao and Penha favela complexes, situated close to Rio’s international airport. One notable aspect of the operation was the use of drones by the criminals to attack police forces, marking a troubling escalation in the tactics employed by gangs. The state government released footage showing what appeared to be a drone firing projectiles from the sky, an alarming development in urban warfare against organized crime. The gangs also set fire to cars to create roadblocks, which slowed the advance of armored police vehicles and escalated the violence. Large-scale police operations like this aren’t new in Rio, especially ahead of major international events. The city has previously hosted the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 summit, and the BRICS summit earlier this year, often prompting security forces to crack down on criminal groups in the favelas. Next week, Rio was set to welcome the C40 global summit of mayors, plus Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony, events that attract prominent figures including pop star Kylie Minogue and Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel. These events are part of the buildup to COP30, scheduled to take place in the Amazon city of Belem from November 10 to 21. Rio’s favela communities are known for their dense populations and precarious living conditions, snaking through the city’s hilly, coastal landscape. The operation caused significant disruption: schools and health centers had to alter their routines, bus routes were redirected, and traffic was snarled across several neighborhoods. Witnesses described a grim scene with smoke rising over the skyline and gunfire echoing through the streets. A Reuters journalist observed police from a special operations unit rounding up dozens of shirtless men after the fighting died down, while sobbing family members gathered at hospitals to tend to the wounded. The state government reported that the operation aimed to serve 250 arrest and search warrants against members of the Comando Vermelho gang, one of the most powerful criminal factions in Rio. The violence and heavy police presence had immediate effects on daily life in the affected areas, increasing tensions and uncertainty among residents. This raid marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and organized crime in Rio, highlighting the complex challenges faced by authorities in maintaining security ahead of internationally significant events.