Brazil: Rio ‘at war’ after 24 reportedly killed in police drug raids on favelas

<p>Raids sparked gunfights between troops and Red Command traffickers who reportedly used weaponised drones</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/28/brazil-rio-at-war-police-drug-raids-favelas">Continue reading...</a>