World shocked by deaths in military operation in Rio’s favelas

At the close of this edition, the world’s main media outlets were still displaying the official number of 64 deaths, which is far short of the hundred bodies recorded by community residents.

The lethality of the action generated an immediate and vehement global condemnation, with humanitarian organizations and the international press questioning Brazil’s public security model. The UN Human Rights Office declared it was “horrified” by the police action in Rio’s favelas, stating that the episode “reinforces the trend of extreme lethal consequences in marginalized communities in Brazil” and demanded “quick and effective” investigations from the authorities.

Cesar Muñoz, director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) in Brazil, classified the episode as a “huge tragedy and disaster”, demanding that the Public Ministry launch independent investigations to clarify the circumstances of each death.

The Violence of Rio on the pages of the world

In the United States, the The New York Times The headline reads “At least 64 dead in Rio de Janeiro as Brazilian police target drug gangs”, describing the clashes that began at dawn with the mobilization of 2,500 agents.

CNN Internacional publishes that it was “Largest Police Incursion Ever Recorded in Rio de Janeiro Leaves At Least 64 Dead”, highlighting the use of drones by criminals and in line with the White House classifies the action as “narcoterrorism”. The Washington Post states in bold letters the official numbers of the action: “Major Brazilian operation against Rio gang leaves at least 64 dead and 81 arrested”

In England, the BBC adopts the following headline: “At least 64 dead in the biggest police raid against gangs in Rio”, detailing the mobilization of civil and military forces in Alemão and Penha amid barricades and explosives. Sky News also highlights the lethality with “At least 64 dead as Rio police target drug gang in most lethal incursion ever seen before COP30”, and draws attention to the timing of the operation close to the climate conference and the demands for independent investigations.

In France, Le Monde prints the historic offensive as: “Police raid in Rio leaves at least 64 dead in shootings in favelas”, also highlights the retaliation of drug traffickers via drones and points to the condemnation of organizations that ask for transparency about the seizures and victims. In Spain, El País reported “At least 60 dead in mega operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro”.

The seriousness of the balance was highlighted in Italy, where the coverage carried the headline: “Police operation in Rio: at least 64 dead, the highest result in history”, emphasizing the unprecedented repression of the Red Command with armored vehicles and also highlighting the criticism of abusive methods. In Germany, Deutsche Welle reports on the social impacts and pre-conference tension with the headline “Deaths in police operation in Rio reach record number before COP30”.

Asia also reported the crisis, with agencies in China reporting on the tragedy. Summaries from international agencies in China write “Brazilian police incursion leaves dozens dead as Rio faces its most lethal operation”, highlighting the drone technology used by factions and the effects on preparations for world events.