No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities stated at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
