At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement reported over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in November.
