Raids sparked gunfights between troops and Red Command traffickers who reportedly used weaponised drones
At least 24 people have reportedly been killed after more than 2,500 police officers and special forces stormed an area of favelas near Rio’s international airport that is considered the headquarters of one of Brazil’s most powerful organised crime groups.
The predawn raid – one of the deadliest in Rio’s history – sparked intense gunfights in and around Alemão and Penha favelas, which are home to an estimated 300,000 people.
Drug traffickers from the Red Command criminal faction started shooting and set barricades and cars alight as civil and military police and special forces began their advance shortly after 4am. For the first time, the gang reportedly used weaponised drones to drop explosives on special forces teams.
Gunshot wound victims were carried to a local hospital throughout the morning and by lunchtime at least 24 people had been killed, including two police officers. Eight police officers and four residents were wounded.
