A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho countered with gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
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 drugs were confiscated in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
