Rio de Janeiro government identifies 59 dead in Containment Operation in Penha and Alemão complexes; partial list out this Friday

The Rio de Janeiro government announced this Friday (31) the identification of 59 bodies in the Containment Operation, launched in the Penha and Alemão complexes. The action, carried out on Tuesday (28), resulted in 121 deaths, including four police officers and 117 suspects linked to Comando Vermelho. The press conference took place at the Police City, with the imminent release of the partial list of names. Authorities highlighted that 22 of the identified came from other states, reinforcing the interstate nature of the operation.

The police strategy aimed to fulfill 100 arrest warrants and dismantle drug trafficking bases. Planned for over 60 days, the operation mobilized around 2,500 agents from the Civil and Military Police. Clashes were concentrated in forested areas, where criminals took refuge after initial blockades. Governor Cláudio Castro described the result as a success, focusing on reducing the presence of organized crime in the communities.

• 118 weapons were seized, including 91 5.56 mm rifles.
• Among the armaments, models originating from the armed forces of Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, and Peru.
• Arrests totaled 113 people, with 33 from states such as Amazonas, Ceará, and Pará.

Bope wall strategy

Agents advanced through Serra da Misericórdia to form a containment line. This tactic, called the “Bope wall,” pushed suspects into already monitored forested areas. The Military Police Secretary, Marcelo de Menezes, explained that the goal was to isolate the targets and prevent escapes. The maneuver contributed to the high number of recorded clashes.

Equipment such as drones and helicopters was used for aerial monitoring. Body cameras on officers documented the actions, in accordance with Supreme Federal Court rules. The planning included intelligence analysis of over a year on trafficking routes.

Seized weapons reveal regional network

The collected arsenal includes high-power rifles suitable for long-range shots. Delegates from the Special Resources Coordination noted the presence of South American models, indicating cross-border trade. Seizures occurred at drug sales points and improvised depots.

Investigations by the Narcotics Repression Division indicate that traffickers were negotiating drones with thermal cameras. These devices aimed to detect police movements at night. Intercepted messages confirm acquisition attempts for surveillance in communities.

Identification advances at IML

Over 100 bodies underwent autopsy at the Afrânio Peixoto Forensic Medical Institute. The site was closed exclusively for the operation, prioritizing necropsies. Techniques such as fingerprinting and DNA analysis accelerated the process. Families await release for transfers, with some funerals scheduled in Irajá and Inhaúma.

The Civil Police Secretary will authorize the release of names soon. Of the identified, 22 came from outside the state, requiring interstate coordination. Civil Defense hearses transported the remains from remote areas for analysis.

Targeted trafficking leadership

Washington César Braga da Silva, known as Grandão, coordinated security shifts in the Penha Complex. He organized payments and logistics for sales points. Edgar Alves Andrade, Doca da Penha, led the local Comando Vermelho leadership. Both were on the priority target list.

Thiago do Nascimento Mendes, Belão do Quitungo, acted as Doca’s armed wing. Financial operators were detained, interrupting resource flows. The operation transferred captured leaders to maximum security prisons.

Cooperation between governments

Governors from six states met on Thursday (30) in Rio. They formed the “peace consortium” to integrate security forces and intelligence. The proposal, led by Cláudio Castro, plans a headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Discussions involved sharing experiences against organized crime.

After initial disagreements, the governor and Minister Ricardo Lewandowski announced a federal-state task force. The initiative includes support from the National Force, in effect until December 2025. Measures aim at joint operations in border areas.

Autopsy procedures in focus

Necropsies detail causes of death and projectile trajectories. The Forensic Medical Institute analyzed injuries compatible with armed clashes. Preliminary reports confirm the use of heavy weaponry by suspects. Forensic teams worked in continuous shifts to expedite results.

The operation raised the city’s operational stage to level 2, with reinforcements on routes such as Linha Amarela and Avenida Brasil. Schools and universities suspended classes during the action day. The Operations Center recorded 71 buses blocking accesses, removed throughout the day.