At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals died in a security raid cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the communities of AlemĂŁo and Penha, local authorities stated. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
