A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 people lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to major international events in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
