Over 40 deceased individuals were found on a street within Rio de Janeiro’s Penha favela complex early Wednesday, as witnessed by a Reuters observer, following the deadliest police operation in the city’s history aimed at a major criminal organization.
The state authorities of Rio de Janeiro announced on Tuesday that a minimum of 64 individuals, including four law enforcement officers, lost their lives during the operations. An updated casualty count is anticipated to be released later today.
Residents who were searching for their missing family members post-operation brought the bodies to the street, as informed by on-site witnesses.
The police action occurred just days before Rio is set to host prominent international events linked to the United Nations climate summit, COP30, such as the C40 global summit focusing on combating climate change and the Earthshot Prize by British Prince William.
Law enforcement agencies have frequently carried out extensive crackdowns on criminal syndicates prior to significant gatherings in Rio, which previously accommodated the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 summit, and the BRICS summit in July.