A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
