No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to Rio's airport is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.