Death toll of police operation in Rio de Janeiro rises to over 130 | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Police operation in Rio de Janeiro
• Organized crime gang
• Public defenders office
• UN human rights body
• Strategy of confrontation
• Drone attacks
• Federal government vs. local state governments
• Joint emergency office
• Control of basic services
• Amazon as a drug trafficking hotspot
• Political divisions
• Community protests
• Suspects vs. residents

Police Operation and Death Toll

A recent police operation in Rio de Janeiro has resulted in a death toll of 132 people, according to the public defenders office. This operation, which involved thousands of heavily armed police, armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, targeted strongholds of a major organized crime gang in some of Rio's poorest neighborhoods. Four of the deceased were police officers. Residents spent the night recovering the bodies of the dead. The UN's human rights body has expressed horror at the casualty count and called for an investigation.

Historical Context and Strategy

Rio de Janeiro has a history of police raids with high death tolls. Two years prior, a similar operation resulted in nearly 30 deaths, and last year, 24 people died. For decades, the local state has employed a strategy of confrontation with heavily armed organized crime groups. The recent operation saw the use of drone attacks, described as being similar to those seen in Ukraine, against police forces attempting to arrest leaders of the crime group. The operation involved 2,500 agents and resulted in the seizure of almost 100 rifles and half a ton of drugs, but the leaders of the group were not apprehended, despite the high number of deaths.

Government Response and Gang Control

In Brazil, police operations are governed by local state governments. This particular operation was conducted by Rio's government. President Lula da Silva of the federal government stated he was surprised by the operation, as he was on international travel and had no prior knowledge of it. The local and federal governments are now attempting to establish dialogue and have announced the creation of a joint emergency office to coordinate public security actions in Rio de Janeiro.

The gang in question not only deals in drugs but also controls basic services in its territory. For years, these gangs have exerted control over impoverished areas where the state's presence is often minimal. They provide essential services to thousands of residents, and a significant portion of their profits stems from these activities. Organized crime groups in Brazil are a growing concern, with national and international reach, and the Amazon region is identified as a hotspot for international drug trafficking. The federal government is attempting to address these issues but faces challenges due to political divisions within the country.

Community Reaction

The local community has reacted with protests against the police's approach. Residents are accustomed to such operations, but the recent raid has caused significant distress. Many mothers were seen crying after finding the bodies of their sons, some with stab wounds. While the police claim to have killed individuals considered suspects, the community highlights that many residents are workers and families. Protests have included street blockades, expressing consternation over the state's actions and the high number of deaths in the name of fighting crime, an argument that has been heard in Rio and Brazil for a long time.