A devastating police raid in Rio de Janeiro has left at least 119 people dead, exposing the violent underbelly of a city renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture. The operation, which targeted drug gangs entrenched in the city’s impoverished favelas, has drawn widespread condemnation from families of the victims and international observers. Among the dead were 115 suspected criminals and four police officers, according to provisional figures released by state authorities. The raid, described by officials as a success against organized crime, has been criticized for its excessive use of force, with families alleging that many victims were executed in cold blood. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for a coordinated approach to combat drug trafficking without endangering civilians or police officers. The incident has cast a shadow over Brazil’s security challenges, just days before the country is set to host the COP30 UN climate talks in the Amazon. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the high number of casualties, urging swift investigations into the matter. Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities continue to mourn their loved ones, with harrowing accounts of brutality emerging from the scene.