United News of Bangladesh

A large-scale police operation targeting a drug gang in Rio de Janeiro’s low-income neighborhoods has left at least 119 people dead, sparking protests, accusations of excessive force, and calls for the state governor’s resignation. Dozens of residents from several favelas gathered outside the state government headquarters on Wednesday, shouting “assassins” and waving Brazilian flags stained with red paint, a day after Rio’s deadliest police raid. Hours earlier, grieving families had placed dozens of bodies on a street in one of the affected communities to highlight the scale of the tragedy. Authorities confirmed that 115 suspected gang members and four police officers were killed in the raid, which involved around 2,500 police and soldiers in the Penha and Complexo do Alemão favelas. The toll was almost double the initial figure of 60 suspects reported on Tuesday. Felipe Curi, Rio state’s police secretary, said additional bodies were found in a nearby wooded area, claiming that some suspects had been wearing camouflage and carrying weapons. He added that residents removed clothing and gear from the bodies, which will be investigated as evidence tampering. Residents and witnesses described scenes of horror. Many bodies were found with gunshot wounds to the head or back, while others appeared disfigured or stabbed. “We saw people executed—shot in the head, tied up. It was a massacre,” said local activist Raull Santiago. In Penha, residents displayed the bodies in a public square before forensic teams arrived, chanting “massacre” and “justice.” One resident, Elisangela Silva Santos, said, “They could have taken them to jail. Why kill them like this? Yes, they were traffickers, but they were human.” Authorities said 113 suspects had been arrested, and security forces seized about 90 rifles and over a ton of drugs. Police and soldiers launched the raid using helicopters, armored vehicles, and foot patrols, targeting the powerful Red Command gang. The operation triggered heavy gunfire and chaos across the city, forcing schools to close, halting public transport, and blocking roads with hijacked buses. Brazil’s Supreme Court, prosecutors, and lawmakers demanded detailed explanations from Rio’s Governor Claudio Castro about the raid. Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Court ordered Castro to appear at a hearing on Monday alongside the heads of the civil and military police. The UN human rights office and several NGOs condemned the high death toll and urged an independent investigation. “Brazil must break this cycle of extreme brutality and ensure law enforcement operations comply with international standards,” said UN spokesperson Marta Hurtado. Governor Castro, a member of the conservative Liberal Party, defended the raid, calling it a “success” despite the loss of four police officers. He described the state as being at war with “narco-terrorism,” echoing language used by the Trump administration in past anti-drug campaigns. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded late Wednesday, saying he had ordered the justice minister and federal police chief to meet with Castro. “Brazil cannot accept that organized crime continues to destroy families and spread violence across cities,” he said. However, Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski questioned the methods used. “We must reflect on whether such actions are compatible with the democratic rule of law,” he said. Experts warned that the operation’s scale and violence would likely do little to weaken Rio’s entrenched drug networks. “Killing over 100 people won’t stop the Red Command. The dead will soon be replaced,” said Roberto Uchôa of the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety. The raid marks the deadliest police operation in Rio’s history, surpassing previous crackdowns in 2005 and 2021, and has reignited debate over Brazil’s long-standing cycle of violence, impunity, and militarized policing. Source: AP

In one of the bloodiest police operations in Brazil’s recent history, around 2,500 police and soldiers stormed Rio de Janeiro’s favelas on Tuesday, killing at least 60 suspected gang members and four police officers, and arresting 81 people, officials said. The large-scale raid targeted the Red Command, one of the country’s most powerful drug cartels, in the impoverished neighborhoods of Complexo do Alemão and Penha. Heavily armed officers backed by helicopters and armored vehicles took part in the operation, which authorities said followed a year-long investigation. Rio state Governor Claudio Castro described the raid as the biggest in the city’s history, saying the suspects were “neutralized” after resisting police action. Authorities also reported seizing 93 rifles and over half a ton of narcotics. Human rights organizations condemned the raid and demanded a thorough investigation into the high death toll. The UN human rights office said it was “horrified” by the incident and reminded Brazilian authorities of their obligations under international law. César Muñoz, Brazil director at Human Rights Watch, called the killings a “huge tragedy” and urged prosecutors to investigate every death. Footage circulating on social media showed fires and smoke rising from the densely populated communities as gunfire echoed through the area. City officials closed 46 schools, while the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro suspended evening classes and instructed students and staff to shelter in place. Local media reported that gang members retaliated by blocking major roads and setting buses on fire, causing widespread transport disruption. The city’s bus operators said about 70 vehicles were hijacked and damaged. Governor Castro, a member of the opposition Liberal Party, criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government for not doing enough to support state-level crime-fighting efforts. In response, senior officials in Brasília convened an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating violence. Experts said the size and death toll of Tuesday’s raid set it apart from previous police operations. “These are war numbers,” said Luis Flavio Sapori, a public safety analyst. “Such raids rarely dismantle organized crime networks—they only eliminate low-ranking members who are quickly replaced.” The Marielle Franco Institute, a rights organization founded in memory of a slain Rio councilwoman, denounced the police tactics, calling the raid “a policy of extermination” that turns life in the city’s poor, predominantly Black neighborhoods into “a daily Russian roulette.” Tuesday’s assault added to Rio’s long history of deadly police crackdowns, including the 2021 Jacarezinho raid that killed 28 people and the 2005 Baixada Fluminense massacre, which left 29 dead.   Source: AP

Venezuela has suspended its energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, accusing the neighboring island nation of taking “hostile” actions by hosting a United States warship. President Nicolas Maduro announced the decision Monday night during his weekly television address, describing Trinidad as the “aircraft carrier of the U.S. empire” and claiming he had no alternative but to terminate decade-old agreements between the two countries. The move followed remarks earlier in the day by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who also serves as hydrocarbons minister, calling for the agreements to be scrapped. On Sunday, the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, arrived in Trinidad to conduct joint security drills with the country’s navy. Venezuelan officials branded the visit a provocation, while Trinidadian authorities insisted such exercises with the United States occur regularly. “The prime minister of Trinidad has decided to join the war mongering agenda of the United States,” Rodríguez said during a televised statement. In messages to The Associated Press, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she was unfazed by Venezuela’s threat to cancel cooperation deals, noting that the joint training is solely for “internal security” purposes. “Our future does not depend on Venezuela and never has,” she said. “We have our plans and projects to grow our economy both within the energy and non-energy sectors.” Rodríguez said she formally requested the withdrawal from a 2015 agreement enabling joint natural gas exploration in shared offshore waters. The two countries are separated by a narrow bay only 11 kilometers wide at its closest point. Persad-Bissessar has openly backed the U.S.-led mission targeting suspected drug-trafficking boats, which some Latin American leaders have likened to extrajudicial killings. She has previously stated she would rather see traffickers “blown to pieces” than allow criminal networks to claim more lives in Trinidad. “I am tired of seeing our citizens murdered and terrorized because of gang violence driven by illegal drugs and arms trafficking,” she told AP. Trinidad, home to roughly 1.4 million people, is known as a transit hub where smugglers often stockpile narcotics before shipment to Europe and North America. Venezuela has repeatedly cast the deployment of American forces to the Caribbean as an attempt to unseat Maduro, who remains under heavy international criticism over alleged election irregularities. Tensions escalated last week after Washington announced the deployment of its largest aircraft carrier to the southern Caribbean, joining a military fleet that already includes eight ships, a submarine, drones and fighter jets. Since its first deployment in September, the U.S. operation has launched 10 strikes on boats suspected of transporting drugs. At least 43 people have been killed in the missions, which have drawn growing controversy in the region.   Source: AP

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Thursday that he will seek reelection next year, aiming for a fourth nonconsecutive term. “I may be turning 80, but I have the same energy I did at 30. I’m running for a fourth term,” Lula told reporters during his official visit to Indonesia. The Brazilian leader is currently on an Asian tour, meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto before heading to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit. Brazilian media reports say Lula is expected to hold his first in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Malaysia on Sunday, following a cordial phone call earlier this month. The two are likely to discuss Trump’s recent 50% trade tariff on Brazilian goods. Under Brazil’s constitution, presidents may serve only two consecutive terms, but Lula—who returned to power in 2023 after 13 years—remains eligible to run again. Lula defeated right-wing former president Jair Bolsonaro in 2022, marking his third term. At the time, he had suggested it would be his final campaign, citing age and a need for generational change. However, he later hinted at another run, saying in early 2023 that his decision would depend on his health and the nation’s political environment. A central figure on Brazil’s political left, Lula is the country’s longest-serving president since its return to democracy four decades ago. Concerns about his health persist after he underwent emergency surgery last year to treat a brain bleed caused by a fall. Despite this, Lula maintains he is fit, frequently posting videos of his exercise routines online. Polls currently show Lula leading the race for the 2026 election, although about half of voters disapprove of his performance. Analysts say his popularity has recently rebounded following Trump’s tariff announcement, which bolstered his nationalist appeal. His main rival, Bolsonaro, has been banned from running and sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. Political observers note that any viable challenger will likely depend on Bolsonaro’s support as he serves his sentence under house arrest.

Peru’s new president on Tuesday declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital as part of the government’s efforts to curb a surge in violence that has fueled protests and contributed to the removal of his predecessor. Peru has seen a rise in killings, violent extortion, and attacks on public spaces in recent years. Police reported 1,690 homicides between January and September this year, up from 1,502 during the same period in 2024. Former President Dina Boluarte was ousted by Congress on Oct. 10 following an impeachment process in which lawmakers cited her inability to tackle the escalating crime wave. She was immediately succeeded by José Jerí, then head of the legislative body. In a televised address, Jerí said the emergency in Lima would last for 30 days and indicated that the government is considering measures such as deploying the military to assist police and restricting certain rights, including freedom of assembly and movement. “Wars are won with actions, not words,” he said, outlining a new approach to crime prevention he described as shifting “from defense to offense.” The announcement comes amid ongoing protests against violence and corruption, led largely by Gen Z activists. Demonstrators took to the streets of Lima on Thursday demanding Jerí’s resignation, with clashes leaving one civilian dead and around 100 people injured, including police officers and journalists. Jerí maintained he would not step down. Boluarte had also declared a 30-day state of emergency in March, but it had little impact on reducing crime.   Source: AP

The jewels stolen from the Louvre Museum in a high-profile heist offer a glimpse into France’s 19th-century imperial past. The museum remains closed for a second day as investigators search for the perpetrators. According to the French Culture Ministry, the stolen items include: 1. Emerald necklace of Empress Marie-Louise, second wife of Napoleon I2. Emerald earrings of Empress Marie-Louise3. Crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III4. Brooch of Empress Eugenie5. Crown of Queen Marie-Amelie, queen of France from 1830-1848, and Queen Hortense6. Sapphire necklace of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense7. Sapphire earring of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense8. Reliquary brooch

At least 14 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in El Callao, southeastern Venezuela, following days of torrential rain, authorities said on Monday. Officials said a command post has been established to coordinate recovery operations, led by Brig. Gen. Gregory González Acevedo, head of the regional disaster response unit in Bolívar state. The fatalities occurred in three shafts of the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine, located about 850 kilometers southeast of Caracas, according to a statement posted on the state agency’s Instagram account. Rescue teams have begun pumping water from the flooded shafts to reduce water levels before attempting to recover the bodies and locate any survivors still trapped underground. Authorities said the reported death toll was based on information provided by fellow miners. Local firefighters said flooding from heavy rains caused the collapse of the vertical mining tunnels, known locally as ravines. El Callao is a gold-mining town where much of the 30,000-strong population depends on mining for their livelihood. Venezuela has extensive deposits of gold, copper, diamonds and other precious minerals. However, mining operations across the country are often poorly regulated, with unsafe working conditions frequently leading to fatal accidents.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continues to wield significant political influence despite being convicted and sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison over attempted coup charges, experts and political observers say. Bolsonaro, under house arrest and in poor health, did not attend the Supreme Court hearings. However, public support for the far-right leader remains strong, with opinion polls showing a deeply divided society. A Datafolha survey in August found 48% of Brazilians wanted him imprisoned, while 46% favored keeping him free. Despite legal setbacks, Bolsonaro’s base remains active, with tens of thousands demonstrating across Brazil on Independence Day earlier this month. “Ideals are not killed, ideals are not arrested,” said Luiz Niemeyer, a Bolsonaro supporter in Rio de Janeiro. Analysts suggest that even behind bars, Bolsonaro could shape the 2026 presidential election by influencing which candidates carry his coalition’s banner. Evangelical allies and lawmakers are advocating for amnesty to restore his political rights before 2030. Meanwhile, right-wing leaders such as Sao Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and Parana Governor Ratinho Junior are being considered as potential pro-Bolsonaro candidates. Bolsonaro’s inner circle, including his sons, remains central in deciding the movement’s future leadership. Experts describe the situation as “Bolsonarism 2.0,” a phase in which the far-right movement consolidates and strengthens beyond Bolsonaro himself. Sociologist Esther Solano noted, “The movement is strong enough to outlive him, with emerging leaders preparing to continue his conservative agenda.” Observers say that although President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is regaining popularity, Bolsonaro’s enduring influence underscores the deep polarization in Brazil and signals that his political ideology will continue to shape the country’s politics in the coming years.

The trial of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro entered a decisive stage Tuesday as the verdict and sentencing phase began over accusations that he conspired to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. A Supreme Court panel has scheduled sessions through Sept. 12 to determine whether the far-right leader is guilty of trying to overturn the vote that narrowly made Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva president. Bolsonaro, who insists he is innocent, faces five charges connected to an alleged coup attempt. Currently under house arrest, he has repeatedly claimed the case is politically motivated. That claim has drawn support from U.S. President Donald Trump, who linked a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to Bolsonaro’s legal battle and described the proceedings as a “witch hunt” against his ally. The comment has sparked nationalist backlash among Brazilian politicians. The ex-president is accused of plotting a coup, joining an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently undermine democracy, and committing two acts of state property destruction. A conviction on the coup charge alone could result in up to 12 years in prison. Seven Bolsonaro allies are also on trial, including former running mate and defense minister Walter Braga Netto and ex-defense minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira. Brazil’s electoral court has already barred Bolsonaro from running for office until 2030 for abusing his presidential powers and spreading baseless claims against the country’s electronic voting system. According to a federal police probe, the spread of disinformation about the voting system was part of a wider strategy to cling to power. Prosecutors allege that plan included assassination plots against Lula and a Supreme Court justice, as well as the Jan. 8 attack on government buildings that sought to trigger military intervention against Lula’s new administration. The prosecution completed its case in July, followed by the defense in mid-August. Soon after, police accused Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo of obstructing justice in a separate case, saying the former president once considered fleeing to Argentina for asylum. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who relocated to the U.S. earlier this year despite holding a congressional seat, has lobbied for sanctions against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees his father’s trial. Trump’s administration imposed such sanctions in late July. Authorities consider Bolsonaro a flight risk. Ahead of the verdict phase, the Supreme Court imposed tighter security, including inspections of vehicles leaving his residence and constant monitoring of the area. Observers have described the case as ‘historic,’ noting it is the first time top officials accused of attempting a coup face trial. Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, an era Bolsonaro has openly admired. While an Amnesty Law passed in 1979 shielded officials from prosecution for human rights abuses, experts say this trial signals a break with that legacy of impunity. “History will tell whether it is 100% successful, but what we are seeing today is a movement that breaks with a tradition of military coups,” said Lucas Figueiredo, a writer on Brazil’s dictatorship era.

Argentine President Javier Milei is helping launch a $1 million project aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and several Latin American countries, at a time when Israel is under heavy criticism for its actions in Gaza. Called the Isaac Accords, the effort will be funded by the Genesis Prize money Milei received in Jerusalem two months ago. According to Tuesday’s announcement from the Genesis Prize organization, the initiative will boost ties between Israel, Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica. Argentina already has strong relations with Israel under Milei, which is different from much of Latin America — where countries like Bolivia and Colombia have cut ties with Israel and others have pulled their ambassadors. Argentina puts 7 healthcare workers on trial over Maradona’s death The Isaac Accords are named after the Abraham Accords, a 2020 agreement under U.S. President Donald Trump that established formal relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Organizers say they plan to expand the Isaac Accords in 2026 to include Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and possibly El Salvador. Milei received the Genesis Prize on June 12 for his strong support of Israel, even as many countries and international groups, including the United Nations, have condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He is considered one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s staunchest allies among world leaders. Although Milei was raised Roman Catholic, he has shown a growing interest in Judaism and has said he plans to convert.   Source: Agency