Around 200 people were trapped at the top of a popular Rio de Janeiro tourist spot during a police operation in the Vidigal favela of the city, according to local media. The trail leading to the top of Morro Dois Irmãos, known for its stunning views over Ipanema Beach, begins at the eastern side of the neighborhood.
Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio's Polícia Civil were seeking to arrest alleged members of the Comando Vermelho gang who were believed to be hiding in Vidigal, as reported by broadcaster TV Globo. The police operation escalated as officers and suspected gang members exchanged fire, blocking the main access route to the trail and alarming the tourists.
Videos shared on social media captured scenes of the group sitting on the ground with police helicopters overhead and gunfire heard in the distance. Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro shared her experience waiting to see the sunrise with her sister just as the chaos began. We had waited for sunrise and, suddenly, the guides asked us to sit down and we started hearing gunshots, she recounted.
Despite the frightening circumstances, Oliveiro noted that the situation was controlled. It's always scary, but it was managed as much as possible. We passed by police on the way, and the situation was already under control.
Fortunately, the tourists were able to descend safely after approximately 30 minutes. The guides had coordinated with the police regarding the operation, even prior to the group's ascent, providing timely instructions during the unexpected gunfire. Another tourist, Danielly Nobre, recounted how the guides reassured their party that everything was under control, aided by signaled messages from a police helicopter.
In the end, the tourists managed to finish the trail and experience the sunrise, sharing a story that mixed adventure with an adrenaline rush. Comando Vermelho and groups like it are known for extending their control beyond drug sales, monopolizing the provision of essential services like gas, cable, and transport within their territories.
Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio's Polícia Civil were seeking to arrest alleged members of the Comando Vermelho gang who were believed to be hiding in Vidigal, as reported by broadcaster TV Globo. The police operation escalated as officers and suspected gang members exchanged fire, blocking the main access route to the trail and alarming the tourists.
Videos shared on social media captured scenes of the group sitting on the ground with police helicopters overhead and gunfire heard in the distance. Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro shared her experience waiting to see the sunrise with her sister just as the chaos began. We had waited for sunrise and, suddenly, the guides asked us to sit down and we started hearing gunshots, she recounted.
Despite the frightening circumstances, Oliveiro noted that the situation was controlled. It's always scary, but it was managed as much as possible. We passed by police on the way, and the situation was already under control.
Fortunately, the tourists were able to descend safely after approximately 30 minutes. The guides had coordinated with the police regarding the operation, even prior to the group's ascent, providing timely instructions during the unexpected gunfire. Another tourist, Danielly Nobre, recounted how the guides reassured their party that everything was under control, aided by signaled messages from a police helicopter.
In the end, the tourists managed to finish the trail and experience the sunrise, sharing a story that mixed adventure with an adrenaline rush. Comando Vermelho and groups like it are known for extending their control beyond drug sales, monopolizing the provision of essential services like gas, cable, and transport within their territories.
