No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. Over 80 people were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to major international events in the country.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
