A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with shooting, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, together with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
