A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Locals have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
