At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 people lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, along with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in November.