Brazil Police Operation Leaves 64 Dead, 81 Arrested in Major Anti-Drug Crackdown

Rio de Janeiro (The Uttam Hindu): At least 64 people were killed in a major police operation against drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to officials, around 2,500 police officers and soldiers launched a large-scale raid on Tuesday targeting a powerful narcotics network. During the operation, 81 suspects were arrested.

Police reported that 64 people, including four police officers, were killed during exchanges of gunfire between law enforcement and gang members. Authorities stated that the mission had been planned for over a year and involved a massive deployment of security forces.

Officials also warned that the death toll could rise as the operation continues. According to a CNN report, security forces seized at least 42 rifles during the raid. Police said they surrounded several gang-controlled areas, which led to heavy crossfire as soon as they entered.

A government statement revealed that the gang members used drones to target police officers during the confrontation. The attackers launched drone strikes on the police in the Penha Complex area.

The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed deep concern over the incident, calling the death of more than 60 people in the Rio de Janeiro police operation “extremely alarming and horrifying.”

Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro said the state is facing a serious threat. He explained that the group is not an ordinary criminal gang but an international crime organization that evolved from a faction of leftist prisoners. The gang is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and frequent violent clashes with rival groups and security forces.