Yesterday, a massive operation involving state and federal forces was carried out, deploying around 2,500 officers across the favela complexes of Complexo do Alemão and Complexo da Penha, in northern Rio de Janeiro, with the goal of neutralizing the criminal organization Comando Vermelho. During the operation—which included helicopters, armored vehicles, and drones, intense shootouts were reported between officers and suspected criminals.
At least 64 people, including four police officers, lost their lives according to official reports, while dozens more were injured and around 81 were arrested. Residents of the favelas described scenes of bodies lined up in the streets and an atmosphere resembling a “war zone.”
Does this type of intervention truly represent progress in the fight against crime?
Partly, yes. The operation dealt a heavy blow to the criminal faction, but it also drew criticism due to the high death toll and the lack of transparency regarding civilian casualties, raising serious questions about the use of force and the protection of human rights in vulnerable communities.
