Rio Police Raid on Comando Vermelho Leaves Multiple Dead

State authorities launched Operation Containment, deploying roughly 2,500 security personnel with helicopters, armored and demolition vehicles to target the Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro’s Complexo do Alemao and Penha favelas. Officials initially said the raids killed 18 suspected traffickers and two police officers and resulted in 56 arrests, while later police and local media reported higher arrest totals (about 80–81) and varying death tolls. Authorities described the action as the largest security operation in the state’s history and released footage alleged to show drones and explosives used against officers as police cleared barricades. The operation occurred days before Rio hosts the C40 mayors’ summit and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony as part of preparations for the COP30 summit in Belém. Observers warned the raid continues a pattern of heavy-handed security crackdowns in favelas ahead of major international events, raising concerns about civilian impacts.