Clashes between drug cartels and police in Brazil have left at least 132 dead.

Footage shows buildings on fire as thick black smoke billows into the sky, while multiple blasts echoed across Rio de Janeiro on October 28.

The enforcement action targeted the gang Comando Vermelho, also known as the Red Command, on Tuesday.

Authorities said the operation formed part of a wider crackdown on drug trafficking and organised crime, dubbed Operation Containment, just days before the city is set to host events for the United Nations climate summit COP30.

Clashes erupted when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the gang early in the morning, with suspects responding with gunfire, burning barricades, and even dropping explosives from drones.

Governor Claudio Castro earlier confirmed that dozens of suspected criminals had been neutralised as part of the extensive police operation, which also involved the execution of more than 250 arrest and search warrants.

He said: 'What do we want? A Rio de Janeiro and a Brazil free of crime. And we will not retreat, because we believe the more public safety works, the freer you and your family will be.'

Four police officers were also killed. Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Police warned that the Red Command has been expanding its influence across Rio state, increasing control over drug trafficking routes and hillside favelas.

Some suspects were seen sitting quietly with their heads bowed during the arrests, with more than 80 reportedly taken into custody.

Brazil ranks second in the world, behind only the United States, for cocaine consumption. In 2023, authorities recorded more than 180,000 cocaine-related incidents, seizing nearly 130,000 kilograms of the drug.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was 'horrified' by the police operation, which is believed to be the largest and deadliest raid in the history of the Brazilian state, and called for 'prompt and effective investigations'.