A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
