Rio de Janeiro: Brazil continues to mourn after one of the deadliest police operations in its history left more than 130 people dead in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The massive raid, carried out last week in the Complexo do Alemao and Complexo da Penha areas, was aimed at dismantling the Red Command criminal group but has instead sparked grief, anger, and calls for justice across the country.

Reports say around 2500 police officers and soldiers took part in the raid. The official number of deaths has been disputed. The state government reported about 58 deaths, while the public defender’s office said at least 132 people were killed. Among the dead were several police officers and many suspected gang members, but residents and human rights groups believe that a number of innocent people were also victims.

People living in the favelas described terrifying scenes after the raid. Bodies were found in nearby forest areas, some showing signs of torture or abuse. Families have accused the police of carrying out unlawful killings and using extreme force. Human rights groups say the scale of violence suggests possible extrajudicial executions.

State governor Claudio Castro defended the operation, calling it a necessary move in the fight against organized crime. He said the security forces were acting against criminal networks that control drug trafficking and weapons in Rio. However, the high number of deaths has led to widespread anger from community leaders, rights groups, and international observers who describe the operation as a massacre rather than a security mission.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has summoned senior officials, including the heads of the military and civil police, to explain how the raid was planned and executed. The federal government has also expressed concern that it was not informed in advance about the large-scale operation.

In the days after the raid, grief and fear have filled the affected neighborhoods. Families are mourning their loved ones, while residents demand justice and transparency. Many say the violence has deepened the mistrust between the community and the police, making daily life even more uncertain in already neglected areas.

Although authorities said they arrested more than 100 people and seized a large number of weapons, reports suggest that several leaders of the Red Command managed to escape. Critics argue that such a large and violent operation may not bring long-term peace but instead could fuel more resentment and violence in the future.

Human rights groups and civil society organizations are now calling for a full and independent investigation to determine whether the victims were lawfully targeted or whether this was, as many believe, a case of excessive and unlawful use of force.

As Brazil looks for answers, many hope this tragedy will lead to real reform in how the government and law enforcement handle crime in poor communities. For now, the people of Rio de Janeiro are left to mourn, remember their dead, and wait for justice and peace that seem long overdue.