A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people died in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil before major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
