No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
