No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action 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 presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country prior to major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
