At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
