Brazil: 64 Dead in Rio Police Raid, UN Calls It 'Horrifying'

Brazil: A massive police operation launched against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reached a climax of violence on Tuesday. At least 64 people, including four police officers, have died. The firing that started in the morning in the narrow streets of the favela turned the entire area into a war zone. The United Nations Human Rights Office has termed it 'horrific' and demanded an immediate investigation.

Operation plan and goals?

The Rio state government revealed that preparations for the operation had been going on for more than a year. The name was 'Operation Containment.' The main target was 'Commando Vermelho' (Red Command)—Brazil's second largest drug trafficking network. More than 2,500 military and civil police personnel were deployed in it. Simultaneous raids were conducted in densely populated favela areas such as Penha, Alemao, and Mar Complex. Governor Claudio Castro described it as a 'decisive attack against narco-terrorism.' He said that it was necessary to stop the regional expansion of the group.

Firing and drone attacks?

Police used armored vehicles and helicopters in the operation that started at 5 am. In response, criminals threw grenades from drones. The attack was the deadliest at the Penha complex, CNN reported. Four policemen were martyred on the spot. The criminals built barricades on the roads, burnt buses, and set vehicles on fire. A crowd of relatives gathered outside the hospitals, where the injured and dead bodies were being brought. Officials warned that the number of casualties could increase as the operation is still ongoing.

Seizures and arrests?

Security forces achieved great success. At least 81 suspects were arrested, including drug traffickers, arms suppliers, and gang commanders. More than 42 rifles, pistols, and large quantities of cocaine and marijuana were seized. The state government presented evidence by releasing videos of drone attacks on social media. Governor Castro asked for the help of armed forces from the Federal Government. “Rio cannot be alone in this war,” he said.

Concern about human rights?

The UN Human Rights Office wrote on Twitter: "We are horrified by the ongoing police crackdown in the favela. 64 deaths have occurred. International human rights law must be followed, and a prompt, impartial investigation must be conducted." Human rights organizations termed it 'state-sponsored genocide.' "Our children are not able to leave the house. There is blood and fear everywhere," said Favela resident Santiago. Experts believe that instead of militarization, education, employment, and social reforms are the only permanent solutions.

The challenge ahead?

The incident highlights the failure of anti-crime policies in Brazil. Rio, a center of tourism and culture, is in the grip of violence. This violence is making global headlines just before the COP-30 climate conference. The state government is adamant that creating a crime-free Rio is its priority, but the lack of trust in favela communities runs deep. The investigation is ongoing, and hopefully the truth will emerge.