No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
