Salam - Deadly police operation in Rio de Janeiro favelas leaves at least 60 people dead
Assalamu alaikum - More than 60 people, including four police officers, have been killed during a large police operation in Rio de Janeiro, according to local reports.
Local authorities say the action targeted drug traffickers and organised crime in the north of the city. The governor described around 60 alleged criminals as “neutralised” and said about 81 people were detained and weapons seized. He also stated this was part of a broad operation to restore public safety and protect families.
Officials say some 2,500 officers took part, using armoured vehicles and helicopters, focusing on the Alemao and Penha favela complexes - crowded, low-income neighbourhoods on the city’s outskirts. The police called it an effort to stop the territorial expansion of the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) and to arrest gang leaders.
Gunfire erupted during the raids, and many were killed or injured; there are reports that stray bullets struck bystanders and that relatives at the scene were angry and distressed. The operation has drawn international attention because it appears to be the most lethal police action in the state’s history.
Comando Vermelho is seen as a major drug-trafficking group in Rio and controls parts of poorer communities, though other criminal groups also operate in the state. Commentators note that a large portion of the state’s territory is under the influence of gangs or militias, the latter being groups sometimes formed by former police who extort residents.
Brazil has a long history with the cocaine trade and high rates of consumption; authorities recorded large seizures and many trafficking incidents in recent years. Police raids in favelas are frequent and often deadly - hundreds have died in such operations in recent years, and past raids have shown devastating scenes affecting civilians.
Human rights groups have questioned these kinds of large-scale operations, especially when they happen ahead of major events. Rio is preparing to host international gatherings soon, and national politics also play a role as election discussions continue.
May Allah protect innocent people and grant patience to those affected. I’m sharing this because it’s painful to hear about so many lives lost and families harmed.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news