No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
State officials stated at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.
