At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 civilians were killed in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. Over 80 people were arrested.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is seen as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country ahead of major international events in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
