No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements near Rio's airport is seen as the central command of a major illegal networks.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, together with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil before major international events in the country.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
