At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
State officials stated no less than 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
