A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.
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 presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
