Rio's Major Anti-Crime Operation: Prelude to COP30

A large-scale operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro resulted in at least 20 deaths, including two police officers. This comes just days before major events tied to the COP30 global climate summit in Brazil. The operation targeted areas controlled by the Comando Vermelho gang.

At least 20 individuals, including two police officers, were killed during a massive operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, state officials confirmed. This development unfolds just days before the city hosts significant events related to the COP30 global climate summit.

Governor Claudio Castro emphasized the administration's dedication to confronting narcoterrorism, revealing that 2,500 security personnel were deployed across the Alemao and Penha favela complexes. These densely populated areas on Rio's outskirts have been long targeted in the government's anti-drug operations.

Authorities announced that the remaining 18 individuals were linked to drug trafficking networks. As part of broader preparations for the C40 summit and Prince William's Earthshot Prize, Rio has seen large-scale police actions similar to those before major past events like the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)