Two policemen die in operation in a Rio de Janeiro favela

The agents entered through one of the entrances of Complexo Mangueirinha, in Duque de Caxias, when alleged “criminals fired at the vehicles” of a patrol, according to a statement by the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro.

The authorities said the police action, still ongoing, aims to “prevent criminal movements in the region, including those related to the theft of vehicles and cargo.”

The shooting attack against the officers occurred at the beginning of the operation, according to Rio de Janeiro police.

The four injured police officers were transferred to hospitals in the region, but two died shortly afterward.

The regional government has so far not been informed about possible arrests, nor about the health status of the two officers who survived.

In the last two years, three of the bloodiest police operations have taken place in Rio de Janeiro, where some areas are controlled by drug traffickers or mafia groups made up of corrupt police officers or former police officers.

Last May, 20 people died in police action in the community of Vila Cruzeiro, and two months later, another 17 died in Complexo do Alemão.

In 2021, the police action considered the deadliest in Rio de Janeiro’s history was recorded, with 28 deaths in Jacarezinho, including 27 civilians and one policeman.

According to a recent study by the non-governmental organization Fogo Cruzado, since 2017, there have been 250 police operations in Rio de Janeiro, leaving about 1,000 victims.

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