No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
