At least 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Security Action on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the country before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
