October 29, 2025 01:26 AM IST
First published on: Oct 29, 2025 at 12:10 AM IST
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Police gather outside the Getulio Vargas Hospital where a colleague was brought after getting injured in an operation against alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemao favela where the criminal organization "Comando Vermelho" operates in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo)
At least 60 people were killed in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday during what a state official described as the city’s deadliest police operation, Reuters reported. The raid targeted a major criminal group just days before Rio hosts global climate-related events linked to the United Nations COP30 summit.
Police in Rio have previously carried out operations before major international gatherings in the city such as the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 summit and this year’s BRICS summit. Those incidents resulted in far fewer deaths than the toll reported on Tuesday, according to a Rio state official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Earlier in the day, authorities had confirmed at least 22 deaths.
Rio Governor Claudio Castro wrote on social media: “We stand firm confronting narcoterrorism.” He said the operation deployed 2,500 security officers and 32 armoured vehicles across the Alemao and Penha favela areas.
Favelas are densely populated neighbourhoods built into Rio’s hillsides. Next week, the city will host the C40 global summit of mayors focused on climate change and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize event, which will include appearances from public figures such as Kylie Minogue and four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel.
The state government said the raid was the largest carried out against the Comando Vermelho gang. It added that at least 56 people had been detained as police worked to serve 250 arrest and search warrants.
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Authorities said clashes caused disruptions to around 50 health and education facilities. Several bus routes were diverted to avoid areas with gunfire, Reuters reported.
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Police gather outside the Getulio Vargas Hospital where a colleague was brought after getting injured in an operation against alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemao favela where the criminal organization "Comando Vermelho" operates in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo) 
