At least 64 people, including four police officers, have been killed during a massive law enforcement operation in Rio de Janeiro - the deadliest in the city’s history. Governor Claudio Castro hailed the raids as a decisive blow against organised crime, but the high civilian toll has sparked national and international alarm. Operation Containment targeted the powerful Comando Vermelho gang, deploying 2,500 officers with helicopters and armoured vehicles across the Alemao and Penha favelas. Bystanders were reportedly caught in the crossfire, reigniting debate over police tactics, human rights, and the heavy cost of Brazil’s drug war. For many residents of Rio’s poorest neighbourhoods, the tragedy underscores a grim reality - they are trapped between violent gangs and aggressive law enforcement. Human rights groups have questioned the timing of such a large-scale operation, less than two weeks before the UN climate summit COP30 begins. As Brazil heads for a national election in 2026, the threat of criminal violence and drug trafficking is expected to take centre stage.