At least 60 dead in mega-operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro

"Authorities deployed around 2,500 police officers to two major favelas in Rio as part of a mega-operation aimed at curbing the expansion of Comando Vermelho, the second most powerful organized crime group in Brazil. The governor of Rio de Janeiro state, Claudio Castro complained that Rio is alone in this war, criticized the lack of support from the federal government, and requested assistance from the Armed Forces."

"The massive police deployment has been met with intense gunfire from Comando Vermelho members, who have even launched grenades from drones at officers. Hours later, the criminal group deployed its members across the city and metropolitan area, blocking avenues and streets with barricades. Authorities have raised the alert level in Rio, and news coverage is filled with images of blocked streets with buses, burned cars, and dozens of shirtless men being detained by officers. Police have seized at least 75 rifles."

"The main target of the police operation is Edgar Doca Alves de Andrade, the head of Comando Vermelho in a Rio favela called Complexo da Penha. Authorities, who have around a hundred arrest warrants, are also seeking dozens of his lieutenants. Comando Vermelho is a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. Founded in 1979 in a Rio prison, it has expanded to other states in recent years."

A large police operation in Rio de Janeiro deployed roughly 2,500 officers to two major favelas to confront Comando Vermelho, resulting in unprecedented urban violence. At least 60 people died, including four officers, and around 80 people were arrested. Officers executed about a hundred arrest warrants targeting Edgar Doca Alves de Andrade and dozens of his lieutenants. Comando Vermelho responded with intense gunfire, grenades launched from drones, and citywide blockades of streets and avenues, burning vehicles and creating mass detentions. Authorities raised the alert level, seized at least 75 rifles, and the state governor requested Armed Forces support amid complaints of insufficient federal assistance.

Read at english.elpais.com