By Pedro Fonseca

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -The deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history left at least 121 people dead this week in Rio de Janeiro. The raids targeted the Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, one of the country’s oldest and most powerful criminal organizations, which dominates the drug trade in several cities.

The violent crackdown comes ahead of the United Nations COP30 climate summit in northern Brazil next week, with Rio hosting the associated C40 global gathering of mayors and the Earthshot Prize awards led by Britain’s Prince William.

WHAT IS THE COMANDO VERMELHO?

The Comando Vermelho (CV) is one of the biggest and oldest criminal organizations in Brazil, responsible for drug and arms trafficking, as well as violent turf wars with rival gangs.

Its influence has

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