Botafogo shooting LIVE: Rio de Janeiro horror as explosions and gunfire heard

Tuesday's operation follows nearly two years of investigations by Rio de Janeiro's Narcotics Repression Division (DRE), according to g1.

The probe, which began in mid-2024, identified Ronaldo Pinto Lima e Silva, known as Ronaldinho Tabajara or R9, as the alleged leader of the criminal group operating in Morro Santa Marta.

Investigators claim he continues to issue orders despite being imprisoned in the Mossoró Federal Penitentiary.

Police also identified Francisco Rafael Dias da Silva, known as Mexicano, as Ronaldinho's alleged right-hand man in the favela.

Social media users also shared footage appearing to show helicopters flying over the Santa Marta area during the operation.

Posting on X, user Lucas wrote:

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According to Brazilian outlet g1, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police launched another phase of Operation Containment, targeting the territorial expansion and financial structure of the Comando Vermelho (CV) criminal faction.

The operation was focused on Morro Santa Marta, a favela in Botafogo, in Rio's South Zone.

g1 reported that an intense shootout broke out when officers from the Narcotics Repression Unit (DRE) arrived in the area. Gunfire could reportedly be heard from various points in the neighbourhood, while explosions were also reported.

Dozens of Civil Police vehicles were deployed on Rua São Clemente, one of the main access routes to Santa Marta, and at least two helicopters were supporting officers on the ground.

Another resident in Rio de Janeiro has described waking up to the sound of gunfire amid reports of a shooting in the Botafogo area.

Posting on X, Letícia Arsenio said:

She added that, based on a video sent by a neighbour in a nearby building, it appeared the gunfire may be linked to a BOPE and Military Police operation in the Dona Marta area. 

This is yet to be confirmed by officials.

Brazilian journalist Renan Brites Peixoto has also commented on the situation unfolding in Rio de Janeiro.

Posting on X, he wrote: "O Rio de Janeiro é um Estado em guerra" – translated as: "Rio de Janeiro is a state at war."

The journalist's post included footage that appears to show armed individuals running out of a Shell petrol station. It has not been confirmed who the individuals are, and it remains unclear whether they are law enforcement officers or other armed groups.

The footage emerged amid a series of social media reports of gunfire in parts of the city, although the exact circumstances remain unclear.

Another social media user has reported hearing gunfire in Rio de Janeiro amid apparent unrest in the city.

Posting on X, Rachel Block wrote: "A shooting right now in Morro D. Martha. Something unprecedented. It's scary even to be lying down kms. away."

The post suggests gunfire was taking place in or near Morro Dona Marta, a favela in Rio's Botafogo district. The claims have not been independently verified.

A social media user in Rio de Janeiro has reported hearing an "insanely intense shootout" before dawn on Tuesday.

Posting on X, Guilherme Lima said the sound of gunfire could be heard from the Botafogo area, although he added that he could not tell exactly where it was coming from.

The post shows a video appearing to capture the sound of sustained gunfire in the distance, with local news outlets tagged in the message.

A shooting has been reported in the Botagago region of Rio de Janeiro.

We will bring you more updates as they arrive.