The police operation against the drug gang in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, claimed the lives of 21 people. Security forces reported that the operation was launched after receiving intelligence that the leader of Rio de Janeiro’s largest criminal gang, Comando Vermelho, was hiding in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Brazilian Military Police, 11 of those killed were identified as gang members. It was stated that the identification of the other people who died is still ongoing, and a 41-year-old woman from the region also died in the clashes.
While many points in the region were closed to entry and exit due to the operation, education was suspended in 13 schools. Police teams have confiscated many long-barreled guns, pistols, grenades, motorcycles, cars and some drugs belonging to gang members so far.