No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. More than 80 individuals were detained.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the central command of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Residents have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
