A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities said.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil ahead of major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
