At least 64 people have lost their lives in the worst-ever day of violence in Rio, Brazil, following a massive police raid on favelas near the international airport. The operation, dubbed "Operation Containment," involved over 2,500 officers and special forces storming into Alemão and Penha favelas, where they clashed with members of the Red Command, one of Brazil's most powerful organized crime groups.
The predawn raid sparked intense gunfights in and around the favelas, with residents reporting hearing gunfire and explosions. The police operation was met with resistance from the Red Command, which reportedly used weaponized drones to drop explosives on special forces teams.
As the situation unfolded, authorities reported that at least 93 automatic rifles had been seized, and over 80 people were taken into custody. However, the violence continued, with reports of ongoing gunfights and clashes between police and gang members.
The death toll has risen to at least 64, including four police officers, with many more injured. Residents described scenes of chaos and destruction, with bodies strewn across the streets.
Critics have accused authorities of using excessive force and turning Rio's favelas into "war zones" as part of their failed "war on drugs." Human rights activists have also voiced outrage, with one politician tweeting that the operation was a "state-sponsored massacre."
The violence has had a significant impact on daily life in Rio, with schools, shops, bars, and restaurants closing down for fear of attacks. Motorways and roads were also closed due to gang activity, causing chaos for commuters.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering when it will end and whether the violence will be brought under control. For now, the favelas remain on high alert, with residents living in fear of further clashes between police and gang members.
The predawn raid sparked intense gunfights in and around the favelas, with residents reporting hearing gunfire and explosions. The police operation was met with resistance from the Red Command, which reportedly used weaponized drones to drop explosives on special forces teams.
As the situation unfolded, authorities reported that at least 93 automatic rifles had been seized, and over 80 people were taken into custody. However, the violence continued, with reports of ongoing gunfights and clashes between police and gang members.
The death toll has risen to at least 64, including four police officers, with many more injured. Residents described scenes of chaos and destruction, with bodies strewn across the streets.
Critics have accused authorities of using excessive force and turning Rio's favelas into "war zones" as part of their failed "war on drugs." Human rights activists have also voiced outrage, with one politician tweeting that the operation was a "state-sponsored massacre."
The violence has had a significant impact on daily life in Rio, with schools, shops, bars, and restaurants closing down for fear of attacks. Motorways and roads were also closed due to gang activity, causing chaos for commuters.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering when it will end and whether the violence will be brought under control. For now, the favelas remain on high alert, with residents living in fear of further clashes between police and gang members.
this is so sad, like 64 people lost their lives already? it's just not right. i feel bad for the people who had to live through all that chaos and destruction. it's crazy that some people use drones to drop explosives... what kind of world are we living in now? 
The numbers are staggering 64 lives lost already... 
what's going on here? 
Favelas turned into war zones 
is this the best way to tackle crime? 
using drone-borne explosives against people just seems wrong 
and then you've got civilians getting caught in the crossfire 
93 guns seized but at what cost? 
human rights activists are right to call it a state-sponsored massacre... 
. And can we talk about the fact that these favelas are basically caught in the middle of this police-gang conflict? 
It's like they're getting pulled in two different directions and nobody knows how to help them.
.
This operation is a perfect example of how not to tackle organized crime. I mean, using special forces and all that fancy gear? That's just asking for a bloodbath. And it's not like the Red Command was going to give up without a fight. It's like they were expecting this kind of heavy-handed approach from the authorities.
And the fact that they used drones to drop explosives on special forces teams is just crazy 
... what kind of world are we living in? 
.
. i mean, we all know the drill by now - police raid, guns go off, bodies pile up... it's like a bad movie script 
. and what's with these favelas being turned into "war zones"? didn't they just want to live in peace? 
. newsflash: there is no war zone, just some humans fighting over territory and power 
. and then the authorities come in all heavy-handed like a scene from Terminator 
. i'm not saying authorities can't handle situations, but sometimes you gotta wonder if it's all worth it... especially when innocent lives get caught in the crossfire 
.
. We need to find a way to make this violence stop ASAP 
motorways closed due to gang activity, that's like, totally not normal life 
i'm just so worried about the future of rio and its people 
when will this violence ever end?!