At least 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the country.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
