A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Residents have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in November.
