Operation Containment

Operation Containment
Part of Conflict between Rio de Janeiro police and criminal factions
Date 28 October 2025 Location Complexo do Alemão and Penha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Result Partial success; large number of arrests and seizures, heavy casualties
Belligerents
Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State	Comando Vermelho Terceiro Comando Puro
Strength
≈2,500 officers	Hundreds of suspects
Casualties and losses
4 police officers killed	Over 130 suspected gang members killed
At least 4 civilians killed

The military operation Containment (Portuguese: Operação Contenção) happens since October 28, 2025 in the Complexo do Alemão and Penha favela complexes in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than one hundred civilians were killed. The operation aimed to weaken the main gangs (or factions), along Comando Vermelho. It also aimed to have the state "reassert control" over areas dominated by organized crime. The operation became one of the deadliest security actions in the state’s history.

Background

In the months preceding the operation, Rio de Janeiro authorities reported a surge in violent incidents attributed to drug trafficking groups operating in the Alemão and Penha regions. Governor Cláudio Castro authorized an extensive deployment of security forces, citing the need to "restore order" and contain the activities of armed gangs.

The Operation

At around 04:00 local time, approximately 2,500 officers from the state’s Military Police and Civil Police entered the favela complexes supported by armored vehicles and helicopters. Authorities stated they were executing more than 100 arrest warrants targeting members of the Comando Vermelho. Gang members responded with gunfire and explosives, leading to prolonged clashes. Reports indicated that drones were used to drop improvised explosive devices on police positions.

Casualties

Initial reports indicated at least 64 deaths, including four police officers. Subsequent updates from local authorities and the Rio Public Defender’s Office raised the total death toll to 132. The operation resulted in the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and vehicles, though exact figures were not disclosed.

Impact

The fighting caused widespread disruption throughout northern Rio. Schools were closed, public transport was suspended, and major roads were blocked by burning barricades. Night classes at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro were canceled for safety reasons.

Reactions

Governor Cláudio Castro described the situation as "a war against narcoterrorism." Human rights groups and international organizations criticized the scale of the violence, expressing concern over potential extrajudicial killings. The United Nations Human Rights Office and the United States Department of State issued statements calling for investigations and restraint by security forces.

Significance

Operation Containment is regarded as one of the deadliest police operations in Rio de Janeiro’s history.