At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
