At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
