At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Locals have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
