No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. More than 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
State officials said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation prior to major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
