The police in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, announced on the 28th that at least 56 suspects were killed and 81 people were arrested in a large-scale crackdown operation that began early that morning. Four police officers also died in the line of duty.
According to the report, the police launched operations targeting the gang 'Red Command' in the Alemão and Penha communities of Rio, deploying multiple helicopters and armored vehicles. The criminals built street barricades with incendiary devices, and gunfire erupted continuously. The gang members even used drones to drop bombs on the police. Two regional leaders of the 'Red Command' were captured. Police also seized 31 rifles, 2 pistols, and 9 motorcycles.
Before the operation, police had requested that schools and medical stations within the communities close, and nearby bus routes detour, but some local residents were still injured by stray bullets.
The Rio state government stated that this has been the deadliest crackdown in recent years.
Santos, the Secretary of Public Security for Rio state, said that about 280,000 people live in the entire operation area. He expressed regret that innocent people were injured during the operation, but emphasized that the crackdown was very necessary and would continue.
Alemão and Penha communities have long been areas rife with drug trafficking and illegal arms trade, and are also key strongholds of the 'Red Command,' posing a serious threat to public security in Rio state and across Brazil.