No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 individuals were killed in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. More than 80 suspects were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
