Police Raid Kills 121 in Rio Favelas, Sparking Nationwide Protests

A massive police raid in Rio de Janeiro's favelas Penha and Complexo do Alemao targeted the drug gang Red Command and resulted in at least 121 to 132 deaths, including four police officers. The operation, which involved around 2,500 police and soldiers, led to intense gun battles and the seizure of weapons and drugs, but it sparked widespread protests accusing the police of excessive force and calls for the resignation of Rio's governor, Claudio Castro. Residents and activists described the event as a massacre, with families decrying executions and demanding justice, while Brazil's Supreme Court and prosecutors have requested detailed information about the raid. The violent crackdown disrupted daily life, closing schools and blocking roads, and scenes of dozens of bodies laid out in the streets intensified public outrage. President Lula expressed shock at the fatalities but emphasized the need to combat organized crime. The incident has become one of Brazil's deadliest police operations in recent history, highlighting ongoing tensions between security forces and favela communities.