At least 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals were killed in a security raid against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Residents have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.