A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.