A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes erupted when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the operation, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.
