No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The International human rights organization expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
