No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians died in a police operation against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
