Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Rio military-police operation kills 19 in favelas

6/27/2026

36 4

Summary

Story summary

On June 27 2007, Rio de Janeiro’s Military and Civil Police launched a massive raid on the Complexo do Alemão favela complex. The operation left 19 people dead and dozens injured; investigators later found at least eleven victims had no drug-trafficking ties. The siege, dubbed the “Gaza Strip,” persisted through the Pan-American Games.

1 of 1

Story summary

On June 27 2007, Rio de Janeiro’s Military and Civil Police launched a massive raid on the Complexo do Alemão favela complex. The operation left 19 people dead and dozens injured; investigators later found at least eleven victims had no drug-trafficking ties. The siege, dubbed the “Gaza Strip,” persisted through the Pan-American Games.