As the operation began, Red Command gunmen opened fire, setting burning barricades on streets and even dropping explosives from drones to block police advances. Officers retaliated with air and ground strikes, resulting in at least 64 deaths, including four policemen, according to officials. Authorities said the high-intensity operation had been planned for nearly a year.
Major drug and weapons haul
Police confirmed the recovery of over 200 kilograms of narcotics, multiple rifles, and other firearms. The joint Civil and Military Police operation aimed to dismantle the Red Command’s vast drug and arms trafficking network, which controls key smuggling routes along Brazil’s coastline.
Government sources said the targeted areas are known bases for the Red Command, a powerful syndicate responsible for large-scale narcotics trade and violent turf control in Rio’s favelas.
Operation timed ahead of major global events
The crackdown comes just days before Rio hosts several high-profile international events, including the C40 Mayors Summit and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony. Both are seen as precursors to the upcoming UN COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, scheduled for November.
Officials said the timing was deliberate — aimed at ensuring security and restoring public confidence before the events.
“This operation sends a clear message that organized crime will not dictate the law in Rio,” said a senior police spokesperson.
