At least 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Government representatives stated at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
