RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: The deadliest police operation against drug gangs in Brazil's history has left at least 121 people dead, authorities said on October 29, as Rio de Janeiro residents lined a street with dozens of bodies recovered overnight.

State police said the raids targeted the powerful Comando Vermelho gang and had been planned for more than two months. The operation aimed to push suspects into a forested hillside where a special forces unit lay in ambush.

"The elevated lethality of the operation was expected but not desired," said Victor Santos, Rio's security chief, adding that any possible police misconduct would be investigated.

Police confirmed 121 deaths, including four officers, though public defenders said the number could rise to at least 132. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said drug violence must be confronted, but urged a coordinated approach that avoids putting police and civilians at risk.

In Rio's Penha neighborhood, residents gathered dozens of bodies from the nearby forest and laid more than 70 along a main street. "I just want to bury my son," said Taua Brito, the mother of one victim, surrounded by mourners. Later, a motorcycle caravan protested outside the governor's palace, waving Brazilian flags stained with red handprints.

Before this, Rio's deadliest police raid was in 2021, when 28 people were killed in the Jacarezinho neighborhood. The new operation has now become Brazil's deadliest ever, surpassing the 1992 Carandiru prison massacre that left 111 inmates dead.

The UN and human rights groups condemned the high death toll, calling it part of a pattern of violent police raids in Brazil's poor communities. "We remind authorities of their obligations under international law and urge prompt investigations," the UN human rights office said.

Families of the victims reported signs of torture and executions, including bound limbs and gunshot wounds to the face and neck, according to human rights lawyer Guilherme Pimentel.

Rio Governor Claudio Castro defended the operation, insisting those killed were armed gang members. "I don't think anyone would be walking in the forest on the day of the conflict," he said, describing the raids as a fight against "narcoterrorism."

Officials said 113 suspects were arrested and 118 weapons seized. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski announced that 50 federal officers would be temporarily deployed to Rio to strengthen efforts against organized crime.

An official said there was no connection between the violence and the global events Rio will host next week related to the United Nations COP30 climate negotiations, including the C40 summit of mayors addressing climate change and Prince William's Earthshot Prize.