A major police operation in one of Rio de Janeiro's largest favela complexes has ended in bloodshed, with multiple fatalities reported and residents describing scenes of terror.
Operation Turns Deadly in Crowded Community
Heavily armed officers descended upon the Complexo da Penha in northern Rio on Thursday, sparking intense confrontations that left numerous residents dead. According to local reports, the operation targeted criminal factions but resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Witnesses described hearing continuous gunfire throughout the morning as police vehicles blocked access points to the sprawling community. The exact death toll remains contested, with different sources providing varying numbers of fatalities.
Residents Describe Living in Fear
"We were trapped in our homes, bullets flying everywhere," one resident told local media, requesting anonymity for safety reasons. "This isn't the first time police have come here shooting first and asking questions later."
Another community member described the psychological impact on children and elderly residents who endured hours of sustained gunfire. Many were unable to leave for work or school during the operation.
Official Response and Growing Criticism
The raid has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and some government officials. Brazil's Minister for Human Rights, Silvio Almeida, expressed deep concern about the operation's methods and outcomes.
This incident occurs amid ongoing debates about police tactics in Brazil's favelas, where rights groups argue that aggressive operations often result in disproportionate civilian casualties.
Local authorities have defended the operation as necessary to combat drug trafficking and organised crime in the area, but promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
