Death Toll Rises Following Major Police Operation in Rio
Early Thursday, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police provided a significant update on the recent police operation targeting the notorious drug gang Commando Vermelho, raising the death count from 64 to 121.
The operation, which occurred on Tuesday, involved approximately 2,500 police and military personnel conducting a large-scale “containment operation” in the northern regions of Rio, specifically the Complexo de Alemão and Penha slums. This initiative aimed to combat one of Brazil’s most dangerous drug trafficking organizations. It marked a significant escalation, with law enforcement executing numerous arrest warrants as part of a year-long investigation, approved by Governor Claudio Castro.
Commando Vermelho reportedly fought back fiercely, leading to violent clashes. They utilized barricades and even drones armed with bombs. Tragically, four police officials lost their lives during the operation, which Castro termed “narco-terrorism.”
On Wednesday, Colonel Marcelo de Meneses, chief of Rio’s military police, shared additional details of the operation with reporters. He reiterated that the event stemmed from extensive planning, mentioning that it took 60 days to prepare. The strategy included a method called the “BOPE Wall,” aimed at encircling criminals and pushing them into the woods. De Menezes noted most skirmishes happened in forested areas between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
He explained the objective was to safeguard local civilians, ensuring their safety by cornering the criminals. De Menezes talked about how their strategy involved entering the “Misericordia Mountains” to drive criminals toward police positions.
“Our teams are deployed across various terrains,” he stated, contrasting police visibility with the heavily armed criminals. This led to the creation of a containment line that sought to contain the criminals effectively.
Rio’s public security secretary, Victor Santos, acknowledged the operation’s high death toll was anticipated, though not desired. He pointed out that the casualties solely involved police officers.
Meanwhile, Brazilian outlet Metropoles reported police had used a drone to photograph Commando Vermelho members prepared for confrontation prior to the operation. A video disclosed by the newspaper suggested that the gang was organized ahead of security forces’ arrival.
The seizure from this operation included 91 rifles valued at over 5 million Brazilian reals (approximately $929,000), along with a total of 118 firearms and 14 explosives, all in ready condition for use with precision accessories.
On Thursday, a BOPE helicopter paid tribute to the fallen officers by scattering flower petals over their battalion headquarters.
Following the operation, Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski announced an increase in federal highway police presence and intelligence officers in the states, also permitting local governments to seek additional federal prison capacities.
Some left-wing officials criticized the operation, denouncing it as genocide and calling for a reevaluation of the state’s security policy. Congresswoman Taliria Petrone claimed the operation exposed a severe lack of planning.
Petrone stated the approach to combating criminal organizations had consistently been inadequate, leading to repeated cycles of violence. Other legislators, such as Lindbergh Farias, voiced similar concerns, pushing for a security approach that prioritizes intelligence over military-style operations.
Amid this, Lewandowski asserted that he had not received a request from Governor Castro for federal help post-operation. After meeting with Castro, it was revealed they discussed establishing an emergency office focused on organized crime.
When asked about classifying Rio’s organized crime as narco-terrorism, Lewandowski distanced himself from that notion, clarifying the distinction between terrorism and criminal factions.
On Thursday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a bill aimed at enhancing crime classification and protections for those combating organized crime. He emphasized in a social media statement that the government’s initiative would facilitate cooperation among various police forces.
Congressman Mendonça Filho, involved in the legislative process, pointed out that the initial proposal submitted to Congress required substantial revisions to be effective against organized crime, indicating a commitment to creating a more thorough law.
