A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
