At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
At least 64 people were killed in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in November.
