Lula’s government denies support for mega-operation in Alemão and Penha with 24 dead and 81 arrested in the Rio de Janeiro war Por Luís Henrique Costa
3 min de leitura
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At least 24 people died, including four police officers, during a mega-operation against the Comando Vermelho in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, this Tuesday (28). The action, part of the Contenção Operation, mobilized 2,500 agents to serve 100 arrest warrants and resulted in 81 detentions. Traffickers reacted with gunfire, burning barricades, and drones carrying explosives, closing expressways such as Linha Amarela and Grajaú-Jacarepaguá.
The operation began in the morning and continued until late afternoon, with seizures of 31 rifles, two pistols, and nine motorcycles. Three civilians were hit by stray bullets, with no deaths among them. Public Security Secretary Victor Santos confirmed that the planning occurred without federal assistance.
- Two civilian police officers killed: Marcus Vinícius Cardoso de Carvalho and Rodrigo Velloso Cabral.
- Two military police officers from Bope: Cleiton Searafim Gonçalves and Herbert.
- 20 suspects killed in shootouts, including individuals from Bahia and Espírito Santo.
Clash details
Agents faced intense armed resistance in the communities. Videos recorded hundreds of shots in minutes, with smoke columns from barricades.
Criminals fled in a line through the upper part of the hill, similar to scenes from 2010. Drones dropped bombs on police in the Penha Complex.
Captured leadership
Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão do Quitungo, was arrested as a local CV leader. Nicolas Fernandes Soares, financial operator for Edgar Alves de Andrade (Doca), was also detained.
Other targets included 30 fugitives from Pará. The investigation lasted one year by the Drug Enforcement Squad.
Affected services
Schools and health units suspended services in impacted areas. Municipal Education Secretary closed 28 schools in Alemão and 17 in Penha.
One state school halted classes. Five primary care units evaluated gradual reopening.
Blocked roads
Traffickers set up barricades with vehicles and debris in retaliation. Linha Amarela had lanes closed in early afternoon.
Rua Dias da Cruz, in Méier, recorded obstructions. Twelve bus lines diverted routes to avoid risks.
Mobilized resources
Forces included Special Operations Command, Bope, and specialized precincts. Helicopters, armored vehicles, and demolition vehicles supported the action.
Salvage and Rescue Group provided ambulances. Public Prosecutor’s Office charged 67 with drug trafficking association and three with torture.
CV expansion areas
Penha Complex serves as a base for drug trafficking near expressways. Faction advances in communities like Gardênia Azul and Juramento.
Leaders issue orders for sales, shifts, and executions. Managers control accounting and supply.
About 280,000 residents live in affected regions. Operation covers 9 million square meters of controlled territories.
