A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - 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, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
