Rio de Janeiro police operation targets gang conflict in Southwest Zone

The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro carried out a coordinated operation on Monday morning in several neighborhoods of the city's Southwest Zone, including César Maia, Coroado, Palmares, Fontela, Mont Serrat, Pombo Sem Asa, Canal, Cascatinha, Taboinhas, and Terreirão. The action aimed to curb criminal activity linked to territorial disputes between the Comando Vermelho and the Terceiro Comando Puro, as well as to clear public roads, recover stolen vehicles and locate possible car‑dismantling sites. Units from the 31st Battalion, the Tactical Actions Group and the State Fire Department provided support and pre‑hospital care. Police seized a pistol, ammunition, radios and drugs, but reported no arrests. The operation follows a previous day’s BOPE deployment in the same area and reflects ongoing security challenges in the region.