64 killed in Brazil’s deadliest police raid in Rio targeting Red Command gang

At least 64 people, including four police officers, lost their lives in a massive police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro’s northern suburbs in Brazil marking the deadliest raid in the state’s history.

The large-scale crackdown, named Operation Containment, unfolded on Tuesday in the Alemão and Penha districts. According to Governor Cláudio Castro, more than 80 individuals were arrested during the mission. The operation involved roughly 2,500 security personnel and quickly escalated into intense gun battles as Red Command members retaliated with gunfire, burning barricades, and even drone-dropped explosives.

Sigo acompanhando de perto esse dia histórico no combate à criminalidade no Rio de Janeiro.

Acabo de tomar uma decisão importante para o nosso estado, que vai nos ajudar a definir os próximos passos nessa luta. pic.twitter.com/seFOP9JmIu

— Cláudio Castro (@claudiocastroRJ) October 28, 2025

The UN Human Rights Office expressed deep concern over the scale and violence of the raid, calling for a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.

The targeted favelas, situated near Rio’s main airport, are known strongholds of the Red Command (Comando Vermelho) one of Brazil’s most powerful organized crime syndicates. Officials reported that at least 50 of the deceased were identified by police as suspected criminals, while numerous civilians were also injured amid the crossfire.

Residents described the area, home to roughly 300,000 people, as resembling a war zone since the operation began. Many streets remain blocked as authorities continue their security sweep.

Police said the raid, which followed a year-long investigation, resulted in the seizure of more than 200 kilograms of drugs and numerous firearms. Many of those arrested are believed to belong to a faction originally from the northern state of Pará who had taken refuge in Rio.