Rio de Janeiro's security forces carried out a new operation in Vila Kennedy that left at least two criminals dead, 16 detained, and a significant arsenal seized
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In the early hours of Wednesday,police forces in Rio de Janeiro carried out a comprehensive operation in the Vila Kennedy community, in the west of the city.The action ended with two members of the Comando Vermelho killed, six arrested at the scene, and 16 arrests in total after parallel interventions conducted by specialized units.
The operation is part of a sustained state strategy to curb the expansion of the Comando Vermelho (CV), one of the country's most influential criminal organizations, involved in drug trafficking, robberies, extortion, and territorial control.
Participation of elite units and chases extending to Realengo
The deployment included the Special Operations Command (COE), Bope, the Special Resources Coordinator, and divisions dedicated to combating drug trafficking. The forces surrounded the community and advanced on critical points used by the gang.
During the operation, there were shootouts and chases that extended to the Realengo neighborhood. As a result, two suspects were injured and two rifles, a pistol, grenades, and a large quantity of marijuana, cocaine, and crack were seized. Part of the material was found inside an abandoned space at the Joaquim Edson de Camargo Municipal School, which reportedly served as a CV hideout.
Golpe al crimen organizado: Río de Janeiro desactiva bases del Comando Vermelho y deja una nueva ola de criminales muertos
Schools closed and transportation altered for security reasons
Due to the operation, 16 educational institutions suspended their activities and two health centers closed as a preventive measure. In addition, the Rio Ônibus consortium reported detours on public transportation routes passing through Vila Kennedy to avoid risk areas.
Rio government strengthens its policy of pressure on organized crime
Rio authorities stated that this action is part of a broad plan to weaken Comando Vermelho's operational structure. According to Colonel Marcelo de Menezes Nogueira, state secretary of the Military Police, the objective is to prevent the group's territorial expansion and protect the population from the violence caused by criminal organizations.
Golpe al crimen organizado: Río de Janeiro desactiva bases del Comando Vermelho y deja una nueva ola de criminales muertos
The operation also takes place in a context of strong state pressure, marked by the recent Operation Freedom, considered the largest police intervention in the state's history, which left more than 120 criminals killed and more than 100 arrested in just two days.
Territorial disputes and reinforced surveillance in Vila Kennedy
Investigators maintain that Vila Kennedy serves as a strategic base for Comando Vermelho to launch incursions against rival groups such as Terceiro Comando Puro and various militias. The intensification of operations, security experts note, responds to these disputes for control of drug trafficking and the need to prevent gangs from consolidating criminal enclaves.
Meanwhile, authorities announced that they will maintain a reinforced police presence in the area and expand joint actions in neighboring neighborhoods to contain criminal mobility and minimize the risks arising from new clashes.
