A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with gunfire, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation before major international events in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in November.
