A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
At least 64 people lost their lives in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country ahead of major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
