Comando Vermelho gangster threatens militia supporters amid rising Rio West Zone violence

A recorded audio attributed to Rodney Lima de Freitas, known as RD do Barbante, urges residents who back paramilitary groups in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone to stay out of the conflict, warning “vai entrar na bala” (you’ll get shot). The threats come as the Comando Vermelho intensifies its armed struggle against local militias in neighborhoods such as Campo Grande, Paciência and Santa Cruz.

Authorities say RD, formerly linked to militia leader “Zinho,” now leads the “Tropa do Urso” faction that seeks to expand CV control over areas previously held by militias. Recent clashes have left civilians terrified, with intense rifle fire reported in Paciência and the alleged killing of a militia member nicknamed “Mancu do Antares” by CV gunmen. RD is also under investigation for a 2024 execution in the Favela do Barbante, where a couple was captured, the woman forced to flee and the man taken away in a car to be murdered. The escalating violence strains security forces and turns entire communities into de‑facto war zones.