Police Operation Leaves Nine Dead in Rio de Janeiro Suburbs

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A police operation conducted the morning of February 3rd left nine dead in communities in Rio de Janeiro’s suburbs. According to the State Police (PM), the victims were suspected of engaging in clashes with the police.

“During the raids, the teams were targeted by armed criminals at several points in the communities. In all, nine suspects were shot and did not survive their injuries,” the PM’s note reports.

The operation began early in the morning in the favelas of Caixa d’Água and Morro do 18 (in Quintino), Morro do Urubu (in Pilares), Flechal (in Engenho da Rainha) and Barão, Bateau Mouche and Chacrinha (in Praça Seca).

According to the PM, the operation is designed to disrupt clashes between rival criminal gangs, disputing the armed control of these favelas, with the purpose of exploiting illegal activities.

Six people were arrested. Five rifles, four pistols, and a submachine gun were also seized.