Over 40 Bodies Found on Rio Street After City’s Deadliest Police Operation

More than 40 bodies were seen lying on a street in Rio de Janeiro’s Penha favela complex on Wednesday morning, a day after what officials have called one of the deadliest police operations targeting a major gang in the city’s history, according to a Reuters witness.

State authorities said that at least 64 people were killed, including four police officers, during Tuesday’s raid. The death toll is expected to rise as new figures are released.

Witnesses said that many of the bodies were brought to the street by residents searching for missing relatives after the operation ended.

The police raid took place just days before Rio is set to host several global climate-related events connected to the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP30) — including the C40 Global Mayors Summit on climate action and the Earthshot Prize event led by Prince William.

Rio’s security forces have often carried out major crackdowns on criminal groups ahead of high-profile international gatherings. Similar operations occurred before the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 Summit, and the BRICS Summit held in July this year.