No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, together with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in November.
