Brazilian army intervention in one of the most dangerous favelas in Rio de Janeiro

The 2017 Operation Rocinha was a military and police operation carried out in Rio de Janeiro, with the aim of regaining control of the Rocinha Favela, one of the largest in the city, after intense clashes between criminal factions that were fighting for control of drug trafficking in the region. The conflict began in September of that year, when rival groups within the Amigos dos Amigos (ADA) faction, led by Rogério 157 and Nem da Rocinha, began fighting for control of the favela.

In view of the worsening situation, the Brazilian government authorized the use of the Armed Forces to assist local police forces. Approximately 950 Army soldiers and Marines were deployed to support the Military Police, carrying out patrols and blockades around Rocinha. The objective was to surround the community, prevent the criminals from escaping, and restore order. The operation was a response to the escalation of violence, which affected not only the residents of Rocinha, but also other areas of the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Although it had an immediate impact, public safety problems in Rocinha persisted, reflecting the ongoing challenges of combating organized crime in the city.