Police Raid in Rio de Janeiro Kills 64, Spurs UN Investigation Calls

A large-scale police operation in Rio de Janeiro's favelas involving about 2,500 officers resulted in at least 64 deaths, making it the deadliest police action against gang-related crime in the city's history. The operation targeted Brazil's main drug trafficking gang and included footage showing suspects using drones armed with grenades against police. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed horror at the operation's lethal consequences and urged authorities to conduct prompt and thorough investigations, emphasizing their human rights obligations. This police action highlights ongoing issues of violence in marginalized communities in Brazil, particularly in favelas often controlled by criminal gangs. Despite the intense and deadly nature of the raids, authorities face international pressure to ensure accountability and respect for human rights during such operations. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for reform in policing strategies in Brazil's most vulnerable areas.