Violence and police operations in Rio de Janeiro

Police operations and criminal activity in Rio de Janeiro have led to significant violence and public disruptions. In the Serrinha community of Madureira, a Military Police operation involving the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais resulted in one suspect dead and another arrested. This operation caused criminals to use vehicles and tires as barricades, disrupting major roads, BRT lines, and municipal bus routes. Following the occupation, retaliation in the Irajá, Colégio, and Cavalcanti regions involved the hijacking of thirteen buses to block streets, affecting at least 17 bus lines and disrupting local schools and health services.

Subsequent violent incidents across the state included a shooting in Cabo Frio where a 17-year-old girl was killed and two others were wounded. In Duque de Caxias, confrontations between Comando Vermelho and Terceiro Comando Puro factions led to the arrest of seven individuals, including a drug trafficker allegedly involved in orchestrating attacks. During this unrest, criminals attempted to block the Washington Luís highway using a truck and a bus, while police seized four rifles and a pistol.

Further clashes in Duque de Caxias between the same rival factions resulted in one death and seven arrests. During these incidents, criminals used a truck, a bus, and three urban buses to obstruct the BR-040 highway and local avenues. The Federal Highway Police reported attempts to block the highway through the burning of tires. Authorities recovered four rifles, a pistol, ammunition, and two grenades. Among those detained is an individual known as “Colete,” identified by authorities as a high-ranking member of the Comando Vermelho who recently defected from the Terceiro Comando Puro.