A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals died in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed at least 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
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country ahead of major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
