Brazil's Deadliest Police Raid: 132 People Killed in Rio de Janeiro

The deadliest police raid in Brazil's history has resulted in the deaths of 132 people in low-income neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. The raid, carried out by 2,500 police and soldiers, targeted a major drug gang, Comando Vermelho (Red Command), which has been responsible for drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and protection racketeering. The operation, which was planned for months, sparked scenes of chaos across the two targeted neighborhoods, with dozens of shops closing and schools being closed. The public defender's office reported that 132 people were killed, while the state government initially reported a lower number, stating that 58 people were killed, including four police officers. The raid has been widely condemned, with protesters taking to the streets, calling for the governor of Rio de Janeiro to resign over what locals have described as a "slaughter."

Key Takeaways:

• The deadliest police raid in Brazil's history has resulted in the deaths of 132 people in low-income neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.
• The raid targeted a major drug gang, Comando Vermelho (Red Command), which has been responsible for drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and protection racketeering.
• The operation involved 2,500 police and soldiers, and sparked scenes of chaos across the two targeted neighborhoods.
• The public defender's office reported that 132 people were killed, while the state government initially reported a lower number.
• The raid has been widely condemned, with protesters taking to the streets, calling for the governor of Rio de Janeiro to resign.
• The Brazilian government has responded to the incident, with the justice minister calling the raid "very bloody" and offering condolences to the families of those killed.
• The opposition has accused the president of protecting criminal groups, and the humanitarian organizations have criticized the government for the extreme brutality exhibited during the raid.

Statistics:

• 132 people killed in the deadliest police raid in Brazil's history.
• 2,500 police and soldiers involved in the operation.
• 58 people killed, including four police officers, initially reported by the state government.
• 118 weapons and over a tonne of drugs seized by the police.
• 50% of Brazilians think security has deteriorated under President Lula, according to a survey by Parana Pesquisas, a national pollster.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera: "Brazil's Rio de Janeiro raises death toll from police raid to 132"
• The BBC: "Brazil police raid kills 132 people in Rio's favelas"
• Twitter: @claudiocastroRJ
• Twitter: @LulaOficial
• Parana Pesquisas: "Survey shows 50% of Brazilians think security has deteriorated under Lula"