No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Community members have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
