At Least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro as Brazilian Police Crack Down on Drug Gangs

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Ana IonovaOctober 28, 2025 at 10:17 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

On October 28, 2025, a police operation in Rio de Janeiro resulted in at least 64 deaths, including four police officers and at least 60 civilians, making it the deadliest such event in Brazil's history. The operation targeted drug traffickers from the Comando Vermelho gang in a working-class area of Rio. It involved 2,500 officers and was part of a year-long investigation to curb criminal activities. Governor Cláudio Castro described the action as against "narco-terrorists," reflecting a term used by former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration. The operation led to the arrest of 81 individuals suspected of gang connections, highlighting ongoing tensions between law enforcement and organized crime in Rio de Janeiro.

Key Topics & Entities

Jair Bolsonaro 60% Comando Vermelho 70% Cláudio Castro ×280% Rio de Janeiro ×380% Brazil ×490%

Keywords

rio de janeiro 90% drug gangs 90% police crackdown 85% comando vermelho 85% police operation 80% shootout deaths 75% narco-terrorists 70% organized crime 65% stray bullets 60% working-class region 55%