An operation by the law enforcement forces in Rio de Janeiro led to the killing of 18 suspects and the death of several police officers.

On Tuesday, Brazilian law enforcement carried out a large-scale operation in Rio de Janeiro, mobilizing 2,500 agents to combat drug trafficking. The state governor, Claudio Castro, announced that 18 suspects were killed and that more police officers died, without specifying an exact number. The operation led to 81 arrests and the confiscation of 42 weapons, with the main goal of combating the expansion of the criminal group Comando Vermelho. The action focused on the favelas of Complexo da Penha and Complexo do Alemao, where drug traffickers erected barricades to prevent police intervention.

The governor described the challenges faced by authorities, mentioning the use of drones by criminals. Police interventions in Rio are frequent, and in 2024, nearly 700 people died during these operations.