About 200 tourists who had climbed Rio's Morro Dois Irmãos to watch the sunrise were trapped on the summit when a police operation in the nearby Vidigal favela erupted into gunfire between officers and suspected members of the Comando Vermelho, organisers and witnesses said.

What happened

About 200 people who had climbed Morro Dois Irmãos to watch the sunrise were left stranded at the summit early on a summer morning when a police operation in the nearby Vidigal favela turned into an exchange of gunfire. Civil police from Rio de Janeiro and officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia were carrying out arrests they said targeted members of the Comando Vermelho gang. The main trail up the hill was blocked as the security operation unfolded, leaving the tourists sitting on the ground as a police helicopter circled overhead and shots rang out in the distance.

Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro said guides told the group to sit down and keep calm after the first shots. "We had waited for sunrise and, suddenly, the guides asked us to sit down and we started hearing gunshots," she said. Her sister, Rita Oliveiro, added that guides had been informed of police movements before the hike began. A local trekker, Danielly Nobre, 25, said guides reassured the hikers and a passing police helicopter signalled for calm. After roughly 30 minutes the group was allowed to descend, organisers said.

Who was involved

The operation involved civil police from Rio de Janeiro and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia. Authorities were seeking alleged members of the Comando Vermelho, the organised crime group that controls parts of Rio's favelas. The gang has long been implicated in drug trafficking, and local reporting and community observers say its reach now extends into services such as gas distribution, cable television, internet and transport in areas it dominates.

Mastheads

Those who were stranded were a mix of international visitors and local hikers who routinely use the trail that starts east of Vidigal and climbs to the twin peaks above Ipanema. Guides who lead dawn treks said they had coordinated with units operating inside Vidigal, but some parties reached the summit before security units completed the arrests. Video shared on social media showed a large group sitting on the ground at first light, while police helicopters moved overhead and distant gunfire could still be heard.

Immediate impact on tourists and operators

Hiking guides told reporters they acted quickly to keep groups together and avoid panic. Organisers said they escorted visitors down the trail in single file once police declared the area safe. "Everyone went down in a single file, everyone helping," Danielly Nobre said.

"We managed to finish the trail, see the sunrise, and experience that adrenaline rush."

Local tour operators rely on sunrise treks up Morro Dois Irmãos for steady income, especially during peak months. The incident interrupted at least one morning of business and highlighted operational risks guides face when routes skirt contested neighbourhoods. Operators said they routinely coordinate with police units — a practice they describe as necessary but imperfect when operations move quickly on the ground.

Security and governance implications

The operation highlights how law enforcement actions overlap with daily life in parts of Rio where criminal groups exert de facto control. Police moves against gangs like Comando Vermelho are presented as efforts to restore order, but they also create immediate disruption for residents and businesses in contested areas.

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Organisers said the stranded group were able to descend after about 30 minutes.

This article was created with AI assistance.