Brazilian police reported on Wednesday that the death toll from a major police operation against a notorious gang in Rio de Janeiro has climbed to 119, which includes four police officers. The operation, involving 2,500 police and soldiers, resulted in clashes in two low-income neighborhoods of the city. The number of suspected gang members arrested has increased to 113 from the initial count of 81, as per police spokesperson Felipe Curi.
The raid, targeted at the Red Command gang in the sprawling favelas of Complexo de Alemao and Penha, involved helicopters and armored vehicles. The timing of the operation coincided with Rio preparing to host the C40 global summit of mayors addressing climate change.
The United Nations’ human rights body expressed shock over the deadly police action, urging thorough investigations and reminding authorities of their international human rights obligations. Human Rights Watch in Brazil described the events as a “huge tragedy” and emphasized the need for investigations into each death by the public prosecutor’s office.
Social media footage showed fire and smoke billowing from the favelas during the operation, leading to the closure of 46 schools and disruptions at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Suspected gang members reportedly blocked roads in response to the raid, commandeering at least 70 buses for blockades.
The police operation followed a year-long probe into the criminal organization. Critics have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such large-scale operations, arguing that they often target lower-ranking members instead of the masterminds, who can easily be replaced.
The operation has drawn criticism from the Marielle Franco Institute, a non-profit organization established in memory of the slain councilwoman, condemning it as a policy of “extermination” that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.