A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. Over 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Community members have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in late autumn.
