No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the South American nation before major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.
