Unprecedented Raid Strikes at Heart of Rio's Red Command
Brazilian police and soldiers executed a massive raid on Rio's notorious Red Command drug gang, arresting 80 suspects and leaving at least 10 dead. The operation, the biggest in history, involved over 2,500 personnel and sparked debates on its effectiveness and strategy in curbing gang violence.
In a dramatic escalation of efforts against organized crime, approximately 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers launched an unprecedented raid on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro. Authorities apprehended 80 suspects, though clashes resulted in at least 10 deaths, including two police officers, highlighting a deadly day in the city's favelas.
Backed by helicopters and armored vehicles, the operation targeted the Complexo de Alemao and Penha neighborhoods. The ensuing violence also forced the closure of 46 schools and the cancellation of night classes at the nearby Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, amplifying the raid's impact beyond immediate arrests.
Despite the operation's size, public safety expert Luis Flavio Sapori criticized its effectiveness, suggesting that such tactics often fail to dismantle criminal networks comprehensively. Sapori pointed out that targeting lower-ranking gang members does little to curb organized crime, as these roles are quickly replenished, undermining long-term security strategies.
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