At least 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 people lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the security action, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major illegal networks.
State officials stated at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Locals have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
