No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Residents have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
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 Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the country before major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in November.
