At Least 64 Killed in Massive Police Raid Targeting Criminal Group in Rio de Janeiro

A massive police operation in Rio de Janeiro has left at least 64 people dead, including four police officers, in one of Brazil’s deadliest raids in years. The large-scale action targeted members of the Comando Vermelho, or “Red Command,” a powerful criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and extortion.

According to officials, the operation—planned for more than a year—involved over 2,500 military and civilian police officers. Authorities said the goal was to stop the gang’s territorial expansion across Rio. The raid, which took place in the Penha Complex, was marked by heavy gunfire and several fires captured on video by CNN Brasil.

Governor Cláudio Castro confirmed that 81 people were arrested and at least 42 rifles were seized. He warned that the death toll could rise as the operation continues.

In a statement on X, Rio’s government accused the gang of using drones to attack officers. Video shared by officials appeared to show a drone launching a projectile from above. “Despite the attacks, security forces remain steadfast in the fight against crime,” the government said.

Castro described the scale of the violence as “narco-terrorism,” urging residents of the affected neighborhoods to stay indoors while security operations continue.

Comando Vermelho is Brazil’s oldest active criminal group, originally founded in the 1970s as a leftist prisoners’ collective during the military dictatorship. Over the decades, it evolved into one of South America’s most powerful organized crime networks.

The operation remains active as authorities continue to secure the area and assess the full scope of the raid’s impact.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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