Rio de Janeiro Police Gunfight Traps 200 Tourists on Morro Dois Irmãos Hilltop Trail
A police operation in Rio de Janeiro's Vidigal favela resulted in approximately 200 tourists being trapped atop the Morro Dois Irmãos trail, a popular spot known for its views over Ipanema Beach. Officers from Bahia's Public Prosecutor's Office and Rio's Polícia Civil were attempting to apprehend alleged members of the Comando Vermelho gang, believed to be concealing themselves within Vidigal.
Reports from TV Globo indicated that the primary access route to the trail became impassable as law enforcement and suspected gang members exchanged fire. This confrontation left the tourists, who had been awaiting sunrise, stranded. Social media footage depicted the group seated on the ground as a police helicopter circled overhead and distant gunshots were audible.
Matilda Oliveiro, a Portuguese tourist, recounted that guides instructed everyone to sit down after gunshots began, despite initial reassurances. Her sister, Rita Oliveiro, stated that guides had prior knowledge of the operation. Other local guides confirmed coordinating with police units active in Vidigal. Danielly Nobre, 25, told O Dia that while initially surprised, guides maintained that the situation was under control, with a passing police helicopter also signalling for calm.
The stranded group was able to descend after approximately 30 minutes, according to local media. Comando Vermelho, like other criminal organisations in Brazil, exerts considerable control over areas, extending beyond illicit narcotics to monopolise services such as gas, cable television, internet, and transport.
