No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
State officials confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.
