At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people died in a security raid cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
