War in Rio de Janeiro against the Comando Vermelho leaves 64 dead and closes roads in the “Marvelous City” Por Luís Henrique Costa
3 min de leitura
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Police mega-operation records 64 deaths in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, this Tuesday (28). The action involved around 2,500 Civil and Military Police agents to fulfill 100 arrest warrants and 150 search and seizure warrants against members of Comando Vermelho. Four police officers were killed in clashes, and criminals used drones to launch explosives.
The state government confirmed 60 suspects killed for drug trafficking and the four agents, raising the total to 64 victims. Main city roads were blocked, affecting traffic in several regions. Institutions such as UFRJ, Uerj, and Fiocruz suspended activities to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- 23 arrests made so far.
- Drones used by criminals in attacks.
- Over 50 buses used as barricades.
Operation reaches lethality record
The action surpassed the number of deaths recorded in the Jacarezinho operation in 2021, which had 28 victims. Authorities highlight the use of technology by criminals, including drones for monitoring and bomb dropping.
Governor Cláudio Castro admitted that the state’s crime-fighting capacity was exceeded. Requests for armored vehicles from the Armed Forces were denied, according to official statement.
Blockades paralyze urban mobility
Several avenues remained closed during the afternoon, according to the Rio Operations Center report. Avenida Brasil had blockages in Ramos and Barros Filho.
Buses were hijacked and positioned as barriers in points like Engenho Novo and Riachuelo. The RioÔnibus union reported impact on 127 lines.
Residents faced difficulties returning home in areas near the complexes.
Repercussions in local institutions
Universities adjusted schedules to avoid risks. UFRJ advised evacuation of Ilha do Fundão.
Uerj canceled nighttime activities in metropolitan region units. Fiocruz advanced staff departure to 3:30 PM.
Support requests and rewards
The Civil Police requested blood donations at Hemorio and Getúlio Vargas Hospital for injured agents. Lines of donors formed at the sites.
Disque Denúncia offered R$100,000 for information on Edgar Alves de Andrade, known as Doca, leader of Comando Vermelho in Penha.
Clashes intensify tensions
Criminals set fire to trash dumpsters in barricades. The Grajaú-Jacarepaguá Highway was temporarily blocked.
Agents reported constant gunfire in the communities. The Containment operation aimed to dismantle the faction’s leadership.
Security measures adopted
The City Council suspended plenary session due to displacement difficulties. Parliamentarians and servers faced blockades.
Police isolated access to the complexes to fulfill warrants. Armored vehicles supported teams in the field.
The mega-operation mobilized intelligence resources to locate priority targets. Clashes occurred at multiple points in the favelas, with heavy weaponry used by both sides. Authorities monitor the situation to prevent escalation in other city areas.
