At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
