No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Residents have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
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 narcotics were confiscated in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil ahead of major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.
