Yesterday, the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil was the scene of one of the bloodiest police raids in history. It was announced that 132 lives were lost in the clashes between the police and the Red Command (Comando Vermelho) criminal organization, which took place in the Alemao neighborhood, home to the Brazil-specific slums known as 'Favelas'.
As reported by DW Turkish, police units entering the Alemao neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro were met with a response from gang members using drones and explosives. The hours-long conflict resulted in the loss of 132 lives.
Following the cessation of the clashes, locals began gathering the scattered bodies throughout the neighborhood and brought them to the street.
Previously, confrontations between Brazilian drug cartels and the police have resulted in dozens of fatalities, but this was the first instance where such a high number of lives were lost.
Brazilian human rights advocate Raull Santiago, who has expressed his disapproval of the police operation, stated that he was part of a team that discovered approximately 15 bodies before dawn. Speaking to journalists, Santiago conveyed, 'We encountered people who had been executed: shot in the back, shot in the head, stabbed. Wounded, bound individuals. The level of brutality is such that it can't be described as anything other than a massacre.'
Brazilian authorities have announced the detention of 81 suspects in a recent operation. In addition, more than 90 automatic weapons and over 200 kilograms of narcotics were seized during the operation.
The Red Command, one of the country's largest criminal organizations, primarily derives its income from drug trafficking.
The operation, which involved the use of two helicopters and dozens of armored vehicles, saw the participation of at least 2,500 police officers. The suspects retaliated by setting fire to barricades and vehicles, and launching explosives from drones. Some local residents also found themselves caught in the crossfire.
The conditions reminiscent of a civil war have also impacted city life. Due to the clashes, over 100 bus routes were forced to alter their courses. Numerous universities and schools had to cancel classes. Approximately more than 280,000 people reside in the affected neighborhoods.