A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. More than 80 people were detained.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements near Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country ahead of major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
