A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people were killed in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil prior to major international events in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
