Favela operation in Brazil: 64 dead

Police have conducted an operation in the shantytowns known as favelas located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Local media reported that a total of 64 people, including 4 police officers, lost their lives in the large-scale operation, and announced that at least 81 people have been detained.

It was noted that 4 civilians were injured in the operation, and it was announced that 31 automatic rifles and a large quantity of narcotics were seized. The operation was carried out in the Alemao and Penha favela complexes, which are poor and densely populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.

2,500 PERSONNEL PARTICIPATED IN THE OPERATION

Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro stated that criminals used drones to drop explosives on police and civilians. Governor Castro, using the phrase "We are fighting against drug terrorism," reported that 2,500 security personnel and 32 armored vehicles took part in the operation.

The large-scale operation took place just days before Brazil is set to host significant events within the framework of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). Ahead of the climate summit, Rio de Janeiro will also host the C40 World Mayors Summit next week and the Earthshot Prize ceremony, which honors contributors to environmentalism, presented by Prince William.

In Rio de Janeiro, where large-scale police operations are common before major international events, the operation carried out today was described as the largest operation to date against the Red Command (Comando Vermelho), one of the biggest drug and arms trafficking gangs. Due to the clashes, the operations of health and educational institutions were disrupted, and bus routes were diverted.

News Source: İHA