At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
No less than 64 individuals died in a police operation against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
