A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "appalled" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country before significant global gatherings in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.
