U.S. Embassy, U.N. Issue Warnings After 64 Killed in Brazilian Tourist Hotspot
The United States Embassy as well as the United Nations Human Rights Office issued warnings and statements about a police raid in Rio de Janeiro, which left sixty-four people, including four police officers, dead after spiraling into a “street battle" in one of Brazil's most populous and famous cities, according to The Timesand the BBC.
Raid Involved Over 2,500 Police Officers
On Tuesday, more than 2,500 police officers in the Penha district, a northern suburb of the Brazilian city, targeted the so-called “Red Command gang” in order to serve warrants to the most senior members of the drug trafficking operation. After officers entered two of the gang’s communities, Red Command members began retaliating with gunfire and grenades. The gang members proceeded to torch barricades intended to corral them into the neighborhood, with police eventually having to enlist two helicopters, 22 armored vehicles, 12 demolition vehicles, and several drones to combat the onslaught.
U.S. Embassy Issues Warning to Citizens
In an alert issued on October 28, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Brazil issued a stern warning to citizens traveling in the region.
"Ongoing fighting between police and criminal factions on October 28, 2025, have caused disruptions to traffic in multiple areas of the North Zone (Zona Norte). Multiple sections of Avenida Brasil, Linha Vermelha, Linha Amarela, Serra Grajaú Jacarepaguá, Av Marechal Rondon, Av. 24 de Maio and Rua Dias da Cruz are currently closed to traffic," the notice reads. "This is not a comprehensive list, and other streets may be blocked to traffic as well. The situation is rapidly evolving, so please pay attention to the news and your phone map applications for updates. Be cautious transiting the city and avoid heavily affected areas to the extent possible."
In addition, the embassy shared a list of tips for travelers in the city and surrounding area:
- Avoid the affected areas in the North Zone, particularly the areas surrounding Complexo do Alemão and Penha.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Be aware of traffic disruptions.
- Plan alternate routes.
- Minimize unnecessary movements.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Notify friends and family of your whereabouts and safety.
U.N. Condemned the Raid
In a statement, the United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “horrified” by the operation’s death toll. “This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazil’s marginalized communities. We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law and urge prompt and effective investigations.”
'No Longer a Common Crime'
“This is how Rio de Janeiro police are greeted by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. This is the size of the challenge we are facing. It is no longer a common crime, it is drug-terrorism,” state Governor Cláudio Castro, wrote on Facebook. Castro explained that the task force intended to serve 51 warrants, most of which pertained to those accused of drug dealing but three of which carried torture charges. He claimed that the gang members who were killed resisted arrest. Four police officers were also killed.
Brazil's Government Offered 'Condolences'
“Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the civil police officers Marcos Vinícius Cardoso de Carvalho, 51; Rodrigo Velloso Cabral, 34; and the military police officers Heber Carvalho da Fonseca, 39; and Cleiton Serafim Gonçalves, 42, who were killed in defense of society during Operation Contenção, in the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, on October 28, Public Servant's Day,” the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State wrote in a press release.