Rio Police Raid Kills About 60, Draws Condemnation

Rio de Janeiro police and soldiers carried out a major anti‑gang raid deploying about 2,500 personnel with helicopters and armored vehicles across Complexo do Alemão and Penha to target the Comando Vermelho/Red Command. Authorities said roughly 60 people were killed — which state officials described as the deadliest police operation in Rio’s history — and reported dozens of arrests, though figures vary across reports (India Today: 81 arrested; state officials and Reuters/Globe and Mail: about 56 as many warrants were served). The state said it seized dozens of rifles and large quantities of drugs and framed the action as confronting “narcoterrorism.” Clashes disrupted about 46 schools, university classes and bus routes, and suspected gang members retaliated by blocking roads and seizing buses. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups condemned the bloodshed as a “huge tragedy” and demanded independent, impartial investigations into each death. The raid came days before high‑profile climate‑related gatherings in Rio, including the C40 mayors’ summit and Earthshot Prize events.