A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, together with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
