Brazil: At Least 60 Dead in Rio de Janeiro Police Operation Against Gang
At least 60 people, including four police officers, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the deadliest police operation in the city’s history against the criminal organization “Comando Vermelho” (Red Command).
The offensive, called Operation Containment, mobilized 2,500 security force agents in the favelas of Penha and Alemão to dismantle networks of the gang, one of Brazil’s main criminal organizations.
The state government updated the death toll, which now includes four police officers and 56 alleged members of the criminal group. More than 81 people have reportedly been arrested.
The New Illegalisms Study Group (GENI) at Fluminense Federal University confirmed this is the police action with the highest number of fatalities recorded in the Brazilian metropolis.
AscendiĂł a 60 el nĂşmero de personas muertas este martes durante la operaciĂłn policial en Rio de Janeiro, segĂşn acaba de actualizar el gobierno del estado.
De acuerdo con las autoridades locales, cuatro de los fallecidos son policĂas y 56 serĂan sospechosos de integrar el grupo… https://t.co/GjYuEr5Bx1
— André Vieira (@AndreteleSUR) October 28, 2025
During the operation, authorities seized approximately 200 kilograms of drugs and more than 70 rifles, while intense clashes with armed groups erupted.
The Civil Police reported on social media that heavily armed criminals attacked officers from early morning and opened fire indiscriminately, endangering residents.
The operation disrupted daily life for thousands. At least 45 municipal schools suspended classes, 12 bus lines diverted routes and several health centers closed or limited services.
The operation aimed to capture 100 members of Comando Vermelho, an organization that emerged in Rio de Janeiro’s prisons in the 1970s and is linked to arms and drug trafficking, kidnappings and contract killings. Authorities say the group maintains criminal connections with networks in Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela.
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28/10 | El gobernador de RĂo, el bolsonarista Claudio Castro, realiza el operativo policial más letal de la historia. pic.twitter.com/0XlKmOlfFU
— Nacho Lemus (@LemusteleSUR) October 28, 2025
During the clashes, drug traffickers erected barricades and launched explosives from drones, intensifying chaos in the communities. Security forces responded with helicopters, armored vehicles, surveillance drones, demolition units and medical support.
The state government reported the action was the result of more than a year of investigations by the Drug Trafficking Repression Division (DRE) and the State Attorney General’s Office, and that 100 arrest warrants and 150 search warrants were issued against leaders of Comando Vermelho in Rio and other states.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JB/SH