Rio Police Raid Leaves 132 Dead in Controversial Anti-Gang Operation

Oct 30, 2025 02:40 am CST

A massive police and military operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's favelas resulted in 132 deaths, including 115 suspects and 4 police officers. The unprecedented raid in Penha and Complexo de Alemao has drawn international criticism for excessive force, with witnesses reporting execution-style killings and rights organizations demanding investigations. Despite the high casualty count and seizure of weapons and drugs, experts question the effectiveness of such operations against organized crime in Brazil's urban communities.