A major police operation in Rio de Janeiro killed seven suspected drug traffickers, including gang leader Cláudio Augusto dos Santos of the Red Command, along with a civilian caught in the crossfire.

The raid involved about 150 officers targeting several favelas and resulted in the seizure of weapons.

In retaliation, criminals set a bus on fire and blocked roads, leading to multiple arrests for vandalism.

The operation also left two police officers injured and included reports of a hostage situation in which a man was killed, the AP has reported.

Authorities say such actions are part of broader efforts to combat expanding criminal networks across Brazil, though critics argue the tactics increase violence without solving underlying issues.