A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang 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 security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command countered with gunfire, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
