Rio de Janeiro’s state government called the operation the deadliest operation in Rio’s history. More than 2,500 civilian police and military police participated in the operation, which targeted 26 communities across the two housing complexes, Xinhua News Agency said.
Officials said the dead included 56 people believed to be members of Commando Vermelho and several police officers. Authorities seized 31 rifles and other weapons, ammunition and explosives.
Police sought to execute 69 arrest warrants and 180 search warrants in connection with the investigation, which lasted more than a year. Among those detained was a suspected leader of Commando Vermelho, accused of inciting violence in the Chapadao region.
Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro described the operation as the state’s response to what he called “narco-terrorism” and said the aim was to stop gangs from expanding into Rio’s suburbs and neighboring municipalities.
Authorities reported that gang members used drones to drop explosives on security forces and civilians within the Penha complex. The operation involved helicopters, drones, armored vehicles, demolition squads and ambulances.
Local prosecutors said Commando Vermelho was using the shantytown next to the highway as a strategic base for drug and arms trafficking. The public prosecutor’s office indicted 67 people on suspicion of being part of a drug trafficking organization and three on suspicion of torture.
Police said the operation was continuing and more injuries were reported.
Master’s degree/PR