A large-scale police operation targeting the Red Command criminal organization in Rio de Janeiro has resulted in 64 fatalities and multiple injuries, marking one of Brazil's deadliest security interventions in recent years. The operation unfolded across multiple favelas as authorities sought to dismantle the gang's stronghold.
Rio de Janeiro State Governor Cláudio Castro described the situation as a 'state of war' against organized crime, emphasizing the Red Command's role in drug trafficking and armed violence. Residents reported hours of intense gunfire, with schools and businesses temporarily closing during the clashes.
Analysts note this operation reflects growing pressure on Brazilian authorities to address urban security challenges. The Red Command, one of Latin America's most entrenched criminal groups, has historically controlled significant portions of Rio's informal settlements.
While officials hail the operation as a necessary measure, human rights organizations have called for investigations into potential collateral casualties. The incident raises questions about public safety strategies in major Latin American cities facing similar organized crime threats.
