Rio de Janeiro - In Rio de Janeiro's latest law enforcement operation, authorities engaged in a firefight in the Complexo da Penha district, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. This confrontation followed a series of other clashes and operations across Brazil that have left a significant number of casualties.

Prior to the Rio operation, a five-day police raid named Operation Shield in São Paulo state led to the demise of 14 suspects. In the northeastern state of Bahia, officials reported that 19 suspects have been killed since the start of the weekend.

The operation in São Paulo led to the arrest of 58 individuals and the seizure of substantial contraband, including 385 kg of narcotics and firearms. This operation was initiated following the killing of a special forces police officer in Guarujá, a coastal town, prompting intense police action.

However, the approach taken during the operation in Guarujá faced criticism from Brazil's Justice Minister Flavio Dino, who deemed the police's response disproportionate to the crime committed.

In the Rio de Janeiro operation, among the 10 fatalities were a drug trafficking leader and a trafficker, as indicated by local media. The operation took place in the Complexo da Penha, a cluster of favelas in the city's northern region. Intelligence sources had suggested that a gathering of drug trafficking ringleaders would occur in this area, prompting the operation's launch.

Eyewitnesses recounted hearing gunshots and witnessing clashes between heavily armed gang members and law enforcement officers. The operation's intensity led to the closure of schools in the vicinity, affecting approximately 3,220 students who were unable to attend classes. Additionally, house visits organized by the national health service were suspended due to security concerns.

The recent surge in police operations and confrontations highlights the ongoing challenges Brazil faces in grappling with organized crime and maintaining public safety.