A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 individuals were killed in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records.
Four security agents lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major illegal networks.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
