No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four security agents lost their lives during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
