Home » world » Rio Crackdown: 64 Dead, Comando Vermelho Targeted

Rio Crackdown: 64 Dead, Comando Vermelho Targeted

by James Carter Senior News Editor

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Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    • Author, Iara Diniz
    • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

“This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

“A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Getty Images

What is Red Command

The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

“Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Reuters

In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

“Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

The “most lethal” operation

This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

“These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

“The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, EPA

photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

“Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

“This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Reuters

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Police officers escort suspects arrested during Operation Containment out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    • Author, Iara Diniz
    • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

“This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

“A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Getty Images

What is Red Command

The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

“Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Reuters

In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

“Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

The “most lethal” operation

This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

“These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

“The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, EPA

photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

“Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

“This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

Image source, Reuters

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    Police officers escort suspects arrested during Operation Containment out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

      • Author, Iara Diniz
      • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

    At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

    Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

    The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

    The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

    The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

    “This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

    “A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

    Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Getty Images

    What is Red Command

    The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

    Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

    Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

    Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

    The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

    Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

    All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

    Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

    During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

    They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

    The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

    Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

    “Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

    A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

    In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

    “Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

    The “most lethal” operation

    This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

    This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

    From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

    Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    “These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

    For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

    “The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

    Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, EPA

    photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

    In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

    For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

    “Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

    “This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

    People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    ""

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    Police officers escort suspects arrested during Operation Containment out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

      • Author, Iara Diniz
      • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

    At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

    Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

    The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

    The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

    The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

    “This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

    “A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

    Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Getty Images

    What is Red Command

    The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

    Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

    Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

    Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

    The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

    Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

    All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

    Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

    During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

    They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

    The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

    Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

    “Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

    A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

    In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

    “Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

    The “most lethal” operation

    This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

    This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

    From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

    Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    “These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

    For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

    “The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

    Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, EPA

    photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

    In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

    For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

    “Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

    “This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

    People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    ""

    Subscribe here to our new newsletter to receive a selection of our best content of the week every Friday.

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    Primary Keyword Identification: Analyze

    Police officers escort suspects arrested during Operation Containment out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

      • Author, Iara Diniz
      • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

    At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

    Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

    The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

    The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

    The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

    “This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

    “A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

    Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Getty Images

    What is Red Command

    The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

    Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

    Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

    Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

    The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

    Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

    All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

    Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

    During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

    They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

    The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

    Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

    “Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

    A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

    In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

    “Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

    The “most lethal” operation

    This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

    This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

    From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

    Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    “These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

    For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

    “The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

    Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, EPA

    photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

    In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

    For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

    “Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

    “This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

    People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    ""

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    to identify and determine the most prominent and suitable primary keyword that accurately reflects its core subject matter. This identified primary keyword will be the main SEO focus for the new article.
    Related Keywords & Semantic SEO: Naturally weave in the identified primary keyword and 3-5 relevant LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and semantic phrases (also derived from or related to

    Police officers escort suspects arrested during Operation Containment out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

      • Author, Iara Diniz
      • Author’s title, BBC News Brasil in São Paulo

    At least 64 people died and 81 were arrested this Tuesday during an operation by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro against the group Comando Vermelho (CV, Red Command) in the Alemão and Penha complexes of the Brazilian city.

    Among the dead are four police officers, according to information from the Civil Police. There are also records of police officers and residents of the area injured by gunshots.

    The operation involved approximately 2,500 security agents from Rio de Janeiro, who served 100 arrest warrants in an area of ​​9 million square meters.

    The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, a political ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, described what happened as “the largest operation by the security forces of Rio de Janeiro.”

    The operation is part of an initiative by the Rio de Janeiro government to combat the expansion of the Red Command, one of the largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil.

    “This operation began with the execution of court orders and an investigation that lasted more than a year and was planned for more than 60 days,” the governor declared at a press conference this Tuesday.

    “A state operation against narcoterrorists, because those who do what they do are narcoterrorists,” he added.

    Police officers guard suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Getty Images

    What is Red Command

    The Comando Vermelho gang was born in a prison in Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s as a self-protection group for detainees, according to InSight Crime, an organization specialized in research on organized crime in Latin America.

    Some time later he ventured into cocaine trafficking. Since then, it has become a criminal organization that maintains its power base in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

    Among those detained are leaders of the Red Command accused of working in drug trafficking in the region. The arrest of one of them, Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão, was announced during Castro’s press conference.

    Nicolas Fernandes Soares, identified as the financial operator of one of the trafficking bosses, was also arrested.

    The governor also reported that 31 rifles were seized during the operation, in addition to a large amount of drugs.

    Clashes between police and traffickers occur mainly in areas with a lot of vegetation, where criminals try to block roads in the region such as Avenida Brasil, according to the governor.

    All battalions in Rio de Janeiro are on alert for possible reprisals.

    Police officers escort suspected criminals arrested during Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    photo caption, At least 2,500 security force agents participated in an operation to arrest drug traffickers from the Red Command.

    During Tuesday morning, criminals used drones to launch bombs and attack police officers.

    They were also seen fleeing in line during the operation, while others set up barricades with burnt vehicles.

    The Military Police deployed all its troops on the streets, suspending administrative activities.

    Castro stressed that the use of “technology, strategy and intelligence” was fundamental to the success of the operation, but criticized the lack of support from the federal government.

    “Our police are alone… unfortunately, once again, we have no help from armored vehicles or agents from the federal, security or defense forces. It is Rio de Janeiro completely alone.”

    A person looks behind a burned car during a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    In response to the governor’s comments, in a note sent to BBC News Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Security reported that it maintains its activity in Rio de Janeiro, which began in October 2023, and that the operation will remain in force until December 16 with the possibility of being renewed.

    In addition, according to the agency, the Ministry of Justice responded to all requests from the government of Rio de Janeiro for the use of the National Force in support of federal and individual state public security.

    “Since 2023, there have been 11 requests for renewal of the National Public Security Force in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. All accepted,” he highlighted.

    The “most lethal” operation

    This Tuesday’s operation is the deadliest recorded in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janiero since 1990, according to the Grupo de Estudos dos Novos Ilegalismos of the Fluminense Federal University.

    This research group points out that the three most lethal police operations recorded occurred during Governor Castro’s administration. In addition to the current one, the other two occurred in May 2021, when 27 civilians and a police officer died, and in May 2022, with 23 people dead.

    From January 2007 to October 2025, the study group recorded 707 police actions that resulted in deaths in the metropolitan region, 2,905 civilians and 31 police officers.

    Police transport a body to a hospital after Operation Containment in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    “These data allow us to confirm that police killings are the rule and not the exception in the state of Rio de Janeiro,” say the UFF researchers.

    For the research group, this security policy focused on police operations in favelas, in addition to involving very high costs, “has proven inefficient in crime control, incapable of reducing criminal acts and containing the advance of armed territorial control.”

    “The recurrence of armed police raids with shootings in densely populated territories reveals the State’s neglect with the preservation of black lives and favelas.”

    Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during an operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, EPA

    photo caption, The police launched a major operation in two favelas with the aim of arresting the leaders of the Red Command, the largest criminal gang in the city, and stopping its territorial expansion.

    In turn, the operation carried out this Tuesday was criticized by civil society organizations.

    For Isabelly Damasceno, from the NGO Movimentos, it is not possible to consider that the police actions have been successful.

    “Violent police operations in Rio de Janeiro are not new to us who live in the periphery. In any case, we cannot naturalize an operation that killed more than 60 people,” says Damasceno.

    “This government strategy cannot be seen as a security policy, it is a policy of extermination. An operation that needs to kill 60 people is not an intelligent or effective action,” he adds.

    People react as they wait for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in the Penha favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025.

    Image source, Reuters

    ""

    Subscribe here to our new newsletter to receive a selection of our best content of the week every Friday.

    And remember that you can receive notifications in our app. Download the latest version and activate them.

    and the future trends theme) throughout the article. Prioritize natural language and user value over keyword density. Use variations and synonyms. Bold the identified primary keyword once on its first prominent appearance if appropriate and natural.
    Internal Links: Include 2-3 contextually relevant internal links to other potential Archyde.com articles. Use descriptive, varied anchor text. Format as placeholders if exact URLs are unknown (e.g., see our guide on Relevant Article Topic).
    External Links: Include 1-2 relevant external links to non-competing, high-authority sources (e.g., research institutions, reputable industry reports, academic studies) that provide additional value or support key claims. Use descriptive anchor text and ensure these open in a new tab (target=”_blank”).
    Meta Description Suggestion: At the very end of the HTML block, include a commented-out suggested meta description for the article (150-160 characters), ideally incorporating the identified primary keyword. Example: “
    Engagement Elements:

    Interactive Callouts: Incorporate at least two engaging elements like:
    “Did you know?” boxes with fascinating facts.
    “Pro Tip:” callouts with actionable advice.
    “Expert Insight:” formatted as a distinct blockquote.
    “Key Takeaway:” boxes (formatted with a distinct style like a div with a class, or simply bold text and a clear heading).
    Thought-provoking questions posed to the reader within the text.
    Image Placeholder Detail: Where appropriate, include commented-out placeholders for images, data visualizations, or embedded media. Suggest relevant alt text for accessibility and SEO. Example: “
    FAQ Section: Towards the end of the article, include a concise FAQ section with 3-4 relevant questions and direct answers. Structure this with an H3 for the “Frequently Asked Questions” title and for each question.
    Tone, Style & Persona:

    Persona: Write as a knowledgeable and insightful journalist or industry expert specializing in the topics covered by Archyde.com. Offer firsthand perspectives and practical advice.
    Tone: Maintain a professional yet conversational, engaging, authoritative, and trustworthy tone. Write as if speaking directly to an intelligent reader seeking valuable information. Maintain a human touch with relatable analogies, clear explanations of any necessary jargon, or rhetorical questions where appropriate to foster connection.
    Evergreen Potential: While discussing future trends, frame insights to remain relevant for as long as possible. Avoid overly specific short-term dates unless absolutely crucial and contextualized.
    Conclusion & Call-to-Action (CTA):

    No Formal “Conclusion” Section: Instead of a heading like “Conclusion,” seamlessly transition to a final paragraph that summarizes the key takeaway or offers a forward-looking statement.
    Engaging CTA: End the article with a clear call-to-action. Examples:
    “What are your predictions for [topic related to identified primary keyword]? Share your thoughts in the comments below!”
    “Explore more insights on [related topic] in our [linked internal article/category].”
    “Stay ahead of the curve – subscribe to the Archyde.com newsletter for the latest trends.”
    Word Count:

    Aim for an article length of approximately [Specify Desired Word Count, e.g., 1200-1500 words], ensuring comprehensive coverage without unnecessary fluff.
    Strict Prohibitions:

    DO NOT add any introductory or concluding remarks about your role as an AI or the nature of the task (e.g., “Here’s the article you requested…”).
    DO NOT use the explicit headings “Introduction” or “Conclusion.”
    DO NOT include any comments, explanations, or text outside the single HTML content block, except for the specifically requested commented-out Meta Description and Image Placeholders.
    DO NOT add any notes about the HTML content itself within the output (beyond the requested comment placeholders). The output must be only the HTML article and the specified comments.
    DO NOT use markdown for formatting; use HTML tags directly.
    [/gpt3]

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