No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people were killed in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.