No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the operation, together with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
