.jpg)
Rio de Janeiro: 64 killed in violent raid, UN condemns 'horrifying' crackdown; Major crackdown on drug gangs
Rio de Janeiro, October 29, 2025: A large-scale police operation in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (October 28) has captured the attention of the entire world. As many as 64 people, including 60 civilians and four police officers, were killed in an attempt to raid a powerful drug trafficking gang. In addition, 81 suspects have been arrested, and the death toll is likely to rise as the operation is still ongoing. The United Nations human rights office has described the incident as 'horrifying' and called for an immediate investigation. Although the operation is part of the Brazilian government's long-term campaign to control crime in Rio's favelas (poor settlements), its violent nature has created an international storm.
Background and planning of the operation
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second largest city, and its favelas are known as the epicenter of drug trafficking, violence and crime. For years, a drug gang called 'Commando Verge' has terrorized areas like the Penha Complex in the city. The gang has killed thousands of people through attacks on local police, drug distribution and illegal arms trafficking. The Brazilian government had been planning the major operation since last year to get control of it. According to the Rio state government, more than 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers were involved. The operation had been secretly planned for more than a year and was aimed at capturing the gang's main leaders and dismantling their illegal network.
In the raid, which began on Tuesday morning, security forces surrounded several areas under the control of the gang. Criminals met fierce resistance as they entered the Penha Complex and other favelas. According to CNN, at least 60 civilians and four police officers were killed in the shootout. Police have seized 42 rifles and other weapons during the operation. According to the state government, gang members used drones to attack police. It is alleged that an attempt was made to drop bombs via drones at the Penha complex, which made the operation extremely dangerous.
Horrifying scenes of violence and civilian casualties
The operation in Rio de Janeiro has shattered the peace in the favela area. Favela is a poor settlement where millions of people live under the terror of drug gangs. It is being speculated that many innocent civilians may have been killed in the shooting during the raid. Local residents said that the entire area went into lockdown when the operation began. People were scared to stay indoors due to the presence of police vehicles on the roads, the roar of helicopters and the constant sound of gunfire. One resident, who did not want to be named, said, "We live in fear of gangs, now our lives are also in danger from police action. When will this terrible cycle stop?"
Brazil's National Human Rights Commission has also expressed its strong displeasure over the incident. According to them, the operation did not take care of the safety of citizens. The majority of the dead were young people from the favela area, who have not yet been directly linked to drugs. This raises questions about the police's methods of operation and how it was carried out. As the operation is still ongoing, there are fears that the number of injuries and deaths will increase. The injured are being treated in local hospitals, but some are in critical condition due to the lack of medical facilities.
Strong UN condemnation and international reaction
The violent incident has shocked the international community. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has immediately issued a statement describing the operation as 'appalling'. Their official social media post said, "We are deeply concerned by the ongoing police crackdown in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. More than 60 people, including four police officers, have been reported dead. We remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law and demand a prompt and effective investigation."
Countries such as the United States and the European Union have also demanded an explanation from the Brazilian government. Amnesty International, like human rights groups, said the crackdown was "extremely violent and unnecessary." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the crackdown, saying, "It is necessary to control crime, but the safety of citizens will be taken care of." However, the opposition has accused the government of failing to implement its anti-crime policy.
Rio de Janeiro, October 29, 2025: A large-scale police operation in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (October 28) has captured the attention of the entire world. As many as 64 people, including 60 civilians and four police officers, were killed in an attempt to raid a powerful drug trafficking gang. In addition, 81 suspects have been arrested, and the death toll is likely to rise as the operation is still ongoing. The United Nations human rights office has described the incident as 'horrifying' and called for an immediate investigation. Although the operation is part of the Brazilian government's long-term campaign to control crime in Rio's favelas (poor settlements), its violent nature has created an international storm.
Background and planning of the operation
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second largest city, and its favelas are known as the epicenter of drug trafficking, violence and crime. For years, a drug gang called 'Commando Verge' has terrorized areas like the Penha Complex in the city. The gang has killed thousands of people through attacks on local police, drug distribution and illegal arms trafficking. The Brazilian government had been planning the major operation since last year to get control of it. According to the Rio state government, more than 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers were involved. The operation had been secretly planned for more than a year and was aimed at capturing the gang's main leaders and dismantling their illegal network.
In the raid, which began on Tuesday morning, security forces surrounded several areas under the control of the gang. Criminals met fierce resistance as they entered the Penha Complex and other favelas. According to CNN, at least 60 civilians and four police officers were killed in the shootout. Police have seized 42 rifles and other weapons during the operation. According to the state government, gang members used drones to attack police. It is alleged that an attempt was made to drop bombs via drones at the Penha complex, which made the operation extremely dangerous.
Horrifying scenes of violence and civilian casualties
The operation in Rio de Janeiro has shattered the peace in the favela area. Favela is a poor settlement where millions of people live under the terror of drug gangs. It is being speculated that many innocent civilians may have been killed in the shooting during the raid. Local residents said that the entire area went into lockdown when the operation began. People were scared to stay indoors due to the presence of police vehicles on the roads, the roar of helicopters and the constant sound of gunfire. One resident, who did not want to be named, said, "We live in fear of gangs, now our lives are also in danger from police action. When will this terrible cycle stop?"
Brazil's National Human Rights Commission has also expressed its strong displeasure over the incident. According to them, the operation did not take care of the safety of citizens. The majority of the dead were young people from the favela area, who have not yet been directly linked to drugs. This raises questions about the police's methods of operation and how it was carried out. As the operation is still ongoing, there are fears that the number of injuries and deaths will increase. The injured are being treated in local hospitals, but some are in critical condition due to the lack of medical facilities.
Strong UN condemnation and international reaction
The violent incident has shocked the international community. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has immediately issued a statement describing the operation as 'appalling'. Their official social media post said, "We are deeply concerned by the ongoing police crackdown in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. More than 60 people, including four police officers, have been reported dead. We remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law and demand a prompt and effective investigation."
Countries such as the United States and the European Union have also demanded an explanation from the Brazilian government. Amnesty International, like human rights groups, said the crackdown was "extremely violent and unnecessary." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the crackdown, saying, "It is necessary to control crime, but the safety of citizens will be taken care of." However, the opposition has accused the government of failing to implement its anti-crime policy.
Background and planning of the operation
Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second largest city, and its favelas are known as the epicenter of drug trafficking, violence and crime. For years, a drug gang called 'Commando Verge' has terrorized areas like the Penha Complex in the city. The gang has killed thousands of people through attacks on local police, drug distribution and illegal arms trafficking. The Brazilian government had been planning the major operation since last year to get control of it. According to the Rio state government, more than 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers were involved. The operation had been secretly planned for more than a year and was aimed at capturing the gang's main leaders and dismantling their illegal network.
In the raid, which began on Tuesday morning, security forces surrounded several areas under the control of the gang. Criminals met fierce resistance as they entered the Penha Complex and other favelas. According to CNN, at least 60 civilians and four police officers were killed in the shootout. Police have seized 42 rifles and other weapons during the operation. According to the state government, gang members used drones to attack police. It is alleged that an attempt was made to drop bombs via drones at the Penha complex, which made the operation extremely dangerous.
Horrifying scenes of violence and civilian casualties
The operation in Rio de Janeiro has shattered the peace in the favela area. Favela is a poor settlement where millions of people live under the terror of drug gangs. It is being speculated that many innocent civilians may have been killed in the shooting during the raid. Local residents said that the entire area went into lockdown when the operation began. People were scared to stay indoors due to the presence of police vehicles on the roads, the roar of helicopters and the constant sound of gunfire. One resident, who did not want to be named, said, "We live in fear of gangs, now our lives are also in danger from police action. When will this terrible cycle stop?"
Brazil's National Human Rights Commission has also expressed its strong displeasure over the incident. According to them, the operation did not take care of the safety of citizens. The majority of the dead were young people from the favela area, who have not yet been directly linked to drugs. This raises questions about the police's methods of operation and how it was carried out. As the operation is still ongoing, there are fears that the number of injuries and deaths will increase. The injured are being treated in local hospitals, but some are in critical condition due to the lack of medical facilities.
Strong UN condemnation and international reaction
The violent incident has shocked the international community. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has immediately issued a statement describing the operation as 'appalling'. Their official social media post said, "We are deeply concerned by the ongoing police crackdown in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. More than 60 people, including four police officers, have been reported dead. We remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law and demand a prompt and effective investigation."
Countries such as the United States and the European Union have also demanded an explanation from the Brazilian government. Amnesty International, like human rights groups, said the crackdown was "extremely violent and unnecessary." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the crackdown, saying, "It is necessary to control crime, but the safety of citizens will be taken care of." However, the opposition has accused the government of failing to implement its anti-crime policy.
