Brazilian Police Carry Out Lethal Raid in Favela, At Least Eight Killed

Brazilian Police Conduct Raid in Rio de Janeiro Neighborhood

A police operation in a neighborhood in central Rio de Janeiro resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including Claudio Augusto dos Santos, a commander of the Red Command, a powerful criminal group. The raid occurred on Wednesday and involved approximately 150 military police officers.

According to authorities, the operation led to a “major armed confrontation” and resulted in the deaths of Dos Santos and six other suspected criminals. A local resident was reportedly caught in the crossfire after being taken hostage. Five people were arrested for alleged acts of vandalism.

Eyewitnesses described individuals affiliated with the Red Command retaliating against the raid by blocking roads and setting a bus on fire. The bus driver, Marcio Souza, reported that he was ordered to evacuate passengers before the vehicle was set ablaze.

The operation took place in areas such as Prazeres, Fallet, Fogueteiro, Coroa, Escondidinho, and Paula Ramos, where Dos Santos was linked to drug trafficking. There were 10 warrants for his arrest, according to media reports.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had previously criticized a similar police raid in October that resulted in the deaths of over 130 people in another Rio favela. Some politicians have expressed concerns about the methods used by state security forces, while others have called for greater force against criminals.

The Brazilian government has reportedly been trying to dissuade the US administration from labeling groups like Red Command as “foreign terrorist organizations.”

Source: Al Jazeera