A significant police operation targeting the Comando Vermelho criminal organization in the favelas of Penha and Alemão, located in Rio de Janeiro, has resulted in at least 64 fatalities and 81 arrests. This operation took place on Tuesday and has been confirmed by Brazilian official sources.
The operation aimed at dismantling one of Brazil”s most powerful criminal syndicates and has been underway for over a year. The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Claudio Castro, described this initiative as the largest action taken against the gang to date. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of support from the federal government, indicating that the state was acting independently in response to what he termed “narcoterrorism,” highlighting the advanced level of sophistication exhibited by the group.
During the operation, police seized nearly 50 firearms, including 31 military-grade rifles. The governor advised residents in the affected neighborhoods to remain indoors as the police deployment continued. The Comando Vermelho has been expanding its influence, reaching into border regions of the Amazon.
