No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
