No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a police operation against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
