War in Rio de Janeiro against Comando Vermelho leaves 60 dead and 81 arrested in Complexo do Alemão and Penha Por Luís Henrique Costa
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At least 60 people died, including four police officers, during a mega-operation by Rio de Janeiro security forces against Comando Vermelho in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in the city’s North Zone. The action took place on Tuesday (28) and also resulted in 81 arrests. The state government confirmed the numbers and classified the operation as the deadliest in the state’s history.
The teams mobilized about 2,500 agents to serve 100 arrest warrants. Traffickers reacted with gunfire and burning barricades from dawn. Retaliations included blockades on expressways such as Linha Amarela and Grajaú-Jacarepaguá.
- 56 suspects killed in clashes;
- 4 police officers killed: two civilians and two from Bope;
- 3 civilians injured by stray bullets;
- 81 people arrested, including faction leaders.
The operation is part of the permanent initiative to contain the criminal group’s advance in Fluminense territories.
Start of clashes
Traffickers began armed resistance upon the arrival of police teams. Videos recorded hundreds of shots in minutes in the communities.
Barricades with vehicles and debris blocked main accesses. The Operations Center raised the city’s stage to level 2.
Identified victims
Two civilian police officers died: Marcus Vinícius Cardoso de Carvalho, 51, and Rodrigo Velloso Cabral, 34. Two Bope agents were also hit: Cleiton Searafim Gonçalves and Herbert.
Among the dead suspects, two came from Bahia and one from Espírito Santo. Three injured civilians received hospital care.
A homeless man was shot in the back. A woman at a gym was quickly discharged. Another man at a scrapyard was also shot.
Seizures carried out
Police collected 75 rifles during searches. Two pistols and nine motorcycles were confiscated.
Drones launched explosives in retaliation by criminals. Fugitives escaped in a line through the upper part of the communities.
Arrests of leaders
Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, known as Belão do Quitungo, was captured. He acts as a regional head of Comando Vermelho.
Nicolas Fernandes Soares, financial operator linked to Edgar Alves de Andrade, was also arrested. The action had no federal support.
Impacts on routine
Schools and health posts remained closed in affected areas. About 280,000 residents live in the involved communities.
The Military Police suspended administrative activities. All personnel were directed to the streets to contain retaliations.
Planning of the action
The Public Security Secretary, Victor Santos, detailed the state logistics. The operation covered 9 million square meters of conflict areas.
Agents used prior intelligence to map targets. The initiative continues in subsequent stages against the faction.
