Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Police launched a large-scale anti-gang operation in Rio de Janeiro, the capital city, on the 28th. As of noon on the 29th, 117 suspects had been killed, and four police officers had died in the line of duty.
According to Brazilian media reports, the operation, codenamed "Operation Containment," was the culmination of over a year of investigation and two months of planning. It resulted in the arrest of 113 people and the seizure of over 100 firearms and several tons of drugs. The target was the stronghold of the "Red Command" (Comando Vermelho) gang in the Alemão and Peña neighborhoods. Police deployed armored vehicles and helicopters, while the gangsters retaliated with incendiary devices and drones.
Rio Governor Fidel Castro stated at a press conference on the 29th that the operation was a "heavy blow" to criminal forces and thanked the governors of several states for their support. He emphasized that combating organized crime requires a nationwide effort. Castro stated that he had applied to the federal government for 10 prison slots to transfer key criminals and stressed that the operation was conducted in accordance with the law and subject to oversight.
Brazilian President Lula convened a cabinet meeting after concluding his overseas trip to receive a briefing on the security situation in Rio de Janeiro. High-ranking federal government officials will travel to Rio to work with state governments to discuss follow-up measures.
The Alemão and Peña communities of Rio de Janeiro have long been plagued by rampant drug trafficking and illegal firearms, making them key strongholds of the "Red Command" and posing a continued threat to national security in Brazil. (End)
