23/06/2026 18:56 - Internacionales
A group of approximately 60 tourists — including Argentines, Chileans, and European citizens — experienced moments of extreme tension when they became trapped in the middle of a violent shootout in Santa Marta favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The confrontation occurred during a police operation against members of the Comando Vermelho, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country.
For international readers: A favela is a Brazilian shantytown or slum, typically located on the outskirts of major cities. Santa Marta is one of Rio's most famous favelas, known for being safer and tourist-friendly, making this incident particularly shocking.
The shootout began shortly after 4:00 AM local time (7:00 GMT) on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, when Civil Police forces entered the neighborhood to execute dozens of arrest warrants and raids against suspects believed to belong to the criminal organization.
The tourists were at a tourist viewpoint located at the top of the favela, one of the most visited spots in Rio de Janeiro due to its panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. Many had climbed up to watch the sunrise when the shooting began.
"It was a war situation. There were many shots and a lot of panic", recounted Rio photographer Ari Kaye, who was accompanying the group and documented the terrifying moments.
Visitors had to take shelter and crawl on the ground while bursts of gunfire and explosions were heard in the surrounding area. Images of the incident were shared on social media platforms.
The Civil Police reported that the procedure was part of Operation Contenção (Containment Operation), an offensive designed to halt the territorial expansion of Comando Vermelho in various areas of Rio de Janeiro.
The first phase of this operation, conducted in late October 2025 in the Penha and Alemão favela complexes, was the deadliest in Rio de Janeiro's history, with a death toll of 122 people, including five police officers.
According to official Civil Police data, since the offensive began, more than 360 people have been detained, another 137 have died in confrontations, and approximately 480 firearms (including 190 rifles) and more than 51,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized.
The Comando Vermelho (Red Command) is a criminal organization born in Rio's prisons in the 1970s. Currently, it has branches in most Brazilian states and some neighboring countries. The gang is considered one of the most powerful and violent in the country, controlling significant portions of Rio's drug trade.
By 8:00 AM local time (10:00 GMT), agents had completed the arrests and the situation appeared to be normalizing, although police actions continued. Authorities indicated that the investigation will continue to determine the exact circumstances of the confrontations.
This incident highlights the complex security situation in Rio de Janeiro, where favelas near tourist areas can unexpectedly become dangerous during police operations against criminal organizations.
Sources: Radio Mitre, La Prensa, EFE
Alfredo S. Quiroga
