A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil before major international events in the country.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.
