No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
