A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of AlemĂŁo and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Locals have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
