Teen Hurt by Drone-Launched Explosive in Rio's North Zone

Overview

• A 15-year-old boy was struck by an explosive reportedly dropped from a drone while walking home and was taken to Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas with an open leg fracture that required surgery after Friday night.
• The 16th Military Police Battalion was notified when the victim arrived and the state police press office confirmed that the explosive was launched from a drone based on the boy's account and hospital reports.
• The 22nd Police District in Penha has opened diligences to identify those responsible and is actively investigating the incident.
• The boy's family say he saw the drone and believe he may have been mistaken for a combatant because he wore a hooded jacket, and neighbours held protests demanding an end to the bombardments and protection for children.
• Local reporting and police records show drones have been used in gang clashes in the area since 2024 and were deployed during a large 2025 operation, raising concern that such tactics are becoming more common and will further endanger residents.