At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. Over 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in November.
