Rio police raid on favela kills at least 18, sparks anger

Jul 20, 2022, 9:44 PM | Updated: Jul 21, 2022, 4:22 pm

A military vehicle drives past tires set on fire by residents to protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

(AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents gather to protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A military vehicle drives past as residents gather to protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents walk holding a banner with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Out from the favela killer police", after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A police officer works to remove tires set on fire by residents to protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Police drive through a banner with a message that reads in Portuguese: "Out from the favela killer police", that was being held by residents in protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents place a wounded man on a dolly after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents place a wounded man in the back of a truck after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents transport a wounded man in the back of a truck after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents carry a body wrapped in a cloth to a waiting vehicle after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio's largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A resident comforts a wounded man as he is placed in the back of a truck after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A resident waves a white sheet in protest after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Police conduct an operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Multiple deaths were reported during the raid that was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents shout at police in protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A police takes part in an operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Multiple deaths were reported during the raid that was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A resident waves a white sheet in protest and to ask for peace after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A woman shouts in protest against a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents use a cart to transport a body after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Bodies are transported in the bed of a truck after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents protest as they stand around bodies wrapped in blankets after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents hold up white sheets in protest after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents place a body wrapped in a green cloth into the back of a vehicle after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents carry a body to a waiting vehicle after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Police ride past as residents carry a body wrapped in cloths to a waiting vehicle after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents carry a body to a waiting vehicle after a police operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Multiple deaths have been reported after the police operation against cargo theft in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents carry a body wrapped in a green cloth after a police operation that resulted in multiple deaths, in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police said in a statement it was targeting a criminal group in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, that stole vehicles, cargo and banks, as well as invaded nearby neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Bodies are placed in the bed of a truck after a police operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Multiple deaths have been reported after the police operation against cargo theft in Rio largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A protester lifts his shirt to show that he is unarmed during a demonstration by moto-taxi service drivers against a police operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Mototaxi service drivers protest against a police operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

A police officer aims his weapon during an operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Residents watch police carry out an operative in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Pedestrians walk amid police carrying out an operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Mototaxi service drivers protest against a police operative in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Police use tear gas to disperse mototaxi service drivers protesting against their operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Police carry out an operation in the Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Police stormed the favela as part of an operation against cargo theft, according to police. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A police operation Thursday targeting gang members in Rio de Janeiro’s largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, left at least 18 people dead in one of the deadliest raids the city has seen recently and one already bringing more criticism of police violence.

Rio authorities said 16 suspected criminals were killed in confrontations with police in Complexo do Alemao along with a police officer and an woman. A police spokesman said the raid targeted a criminal group that stole cars and robbed banks, and invaded nearby neighborhoods.

Videos circulating on social media showed intense shootouts between criminals as well as a police helicopter flying low over the small, brick houses. Rio’s police have used helicopters to shoot at targets, even in densely populated residential areas, and video showed shots being fired from the favela at the aircraft.

At the site of the raid, Associated Press reporters saw residents carrying about 10 bodies as bystanders shouted, “We want peace!” Residents said those who attempted to help the injured risked arrest.

“It’s a massacre inside, which police are calling an operation,” one woman told AP, speaking on the condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from authorities. “They’re not letting us help (victims),” she added, saying she saw one man arrested for attempting to do so.

A Rio’s police force spokesman said some of the criminals wore uniforms to disguise themselves as police officers.

“I would rather they (the suspects) had not reacted and then we could have arrested 15, 14 of them. But unfortunately they chose to fire at our policemen,” said Ronaldo Oliveira, an investigator of Rio’s police.

Rio state Gov. Cláudio Castro said on Twitter he lamented the police officer’s death.

“I will continue to fight crime with all my strength. We will not back down from the mission of guaranteeing peace and security to the people of our state,” Castro said.

But many disagree with the government’s strategy for tackling violence and organized crime, an approach that regularly sees deadly police operations. A raid in Rio’s Vila Cruzeiro favela in May killed more than 20 people.

Thursday’s operation was aimed at locating and arresting criminal leaders, some from other states, police said in an early statement.

“ENOUGH of this genocidal policy, governor!” Talíria Petrone, a federal lawmaker for Rio, said in response to the governor’s tweet. “This failed public security policy leaves residents and police on the ground, en masse. It’s no longer possible to keep piling up Black bodies and favela residents every day!”

Alemao is a complex of 13 favelas in northern Rio, home to about 70,000 people. Nearly three-quarters of them are Afro-Brazilians, according to a July 2020 study published by the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economical Analyses.

Earlier this year, Brazil’s Supreme Court established a series of conditions for police to conduct raids in Rio’s favelas as a means to reduce police killings and violations of human rights. The court ordered that lethal force be used only in situations in which all other means have been exhausted and when necessary to protect life.

The ruling came in response to a raid on the Jacarezinho favela in 2021 that resulted in 28 people being killed. As was the case Thursday, an officer died during that raid, which some speculated at the time was the cause for subsequent abuse and summary executions.

Thursday’s operation began before dawn and finished around 4 p.m. local time, police said. Nearly 400 police officers were involved, including Rio’s tactical police unit, backed up by four helicopters and 10 bullet-proofed vehicles, according to the police statement.

In a video shared by Voz da Comunidade, a community news outlet focused on Rio’s favelas, residents can be seen calling for peace and waving white cloths from their windows and rooftops.

Fabrício Oliveira, one of the coordinators of the police raid, said authorities fear that Friday could be another violent day at the Complexo do Alemao.

“Our experience has told us that after raids like these police are attacked in every way,” Oliveira said.

____ AP journalist Mauricio Savarese contributed to this report from Sao Paulo.