More than two thousand police officers entered two populous favelas. The police operation took place in two favela complexes, Penha and Alemao. Clashes between police and drug traffickers left 64 dead. The death toll later rose to 132, making this police operation the deadliest in Rio de Janeiro's history. This event has caused significant public outcry and raised questions about violence in Brazil.
"This is a tragedy that we cannot ignore," said one of the local residents.