No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
