A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people were killed in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's history.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
