A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are regular in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.
