No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a security raid cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements near the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The joint operation by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.
