No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 people were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation before major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
