At least 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major illegal networks.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, together with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
