Rio Raid Death Toll Hits 132

At least 132 individuals lost their lives during a tragic police raid in Rio de Janeiro, as reported by the Rio de Janeiro public defender’s office on Wednesday, the day following the operation.

Grieving individuals congregated in the streets of Rio de Janeiro close to where the operation occurred, with bodies displayed along the roadway. A witness said that over 40 deceased individuals were on a street within Rio de Janeiro’s Penha favela complex earlier.

On Tuesday, officials from Rio de Janeiro state reported that at least 64 individuals, including four police officers, had died in the raids. An updated number of fatalities was released later on Wednesday.

Residents searched for their missing family members after the raid, according to those present at the scene on Wednesday, and the bodies were brought to the street by them.

Rio de Janeiro Raid Death Toll Hits 132. Credit: Al Jazeera.

The police operation took place just days before Rio is set to host international events linked to the United Nations climate summit, known as COP30, including the C40 global summit of mayors addressing climate change and British Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.

Police frequently carry out extensive operations against criminal organisations ahead of major events in Rio, which previously hosted the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 summit, and the BRICS summit in July.

Last year, around 700 people died during police operations in Rio, averaging nearly two fatalities per day. In 2020, Brazil’s Supreme Court placed limitations on counter-drug operations in the favelas, including restrictions on the use of helicopters and on operations near schools or health facilities.

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