Rio de Janeiro’s state government mobilized hundreds of police officers in a concerted effort to crack down on organized crime groups operating in the city’s sprawling, low-income neighbourhoods.
The security forces’ operations were not limited to the Mare complex of favelas near Rio’s international airport but also extended to the adjacent Vila Cruzeiro neighborhood and the City of God neighborhood on the opposite side of the city. All three areas are under the control of the Red Command drug trafficking group.
According to Rio’s government, recent intelligence had suggested that crime leaders had relocated from Mare to the other two communities. The operation, which involved 1,000 officers, aimed to address this concern.
Reports from residents indicated that shootouts began shortly after dawn in these neighborhoods. Fogo Cruzado, a nonprofit organization tracking gun violence in real-time, documented these incidents. Local media outlet G1 reported that two police helicopters came under fire and were forced to land during the operations.
Rio Governor Claudio Castro had previously announced plans to take action against organized crime groups that hold sway over significant portions of the city’s territory.
Last week, a tragic incident unfolded when three doctors were killed at a beachside eatery, apparently due to mistaken identity. One of the victims was erroneously identified as the son of a local militia group, highlighting the pressing need for addressing crime and insecurity in Rio De Janeiro.
