No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of AlemĂŁo and Penha, government representatives reported. Over 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
