Brazil's raid on Rio's favelas killed 117 gang members and four officers, sparking debate over violence and human rights.

On October 28, 2025, Brazil launched a large-scale operation in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, targeting the Comando Vermelho (CV), a decades-old criminal network. The raid, involving 2,500 security forces, killed at least 117 suspected gang members and four officers, led to around 100 arrests, and seized 118 weapons and a ton of drugs. Authorities called it a success in reclaiming territory from escalating violence and gang expansion. However, the high death toll drew sharp criticism from human rights groups, who condemned the state’s heavy-handed approach and its disproportionate impact on poor, Black communities. Residents described enduring constant fear under gang control, with criminal groups influencing services and politics. The CV, founded in 1979 during Brazil’s military dictatorship, has evolved into a powerful syndicate. While some officials defend the raid as necessary for public safety, critics argue it fuels cycles of violence and fails to address systemic neglect.