At least 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
At least 64 people died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives stated. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
