No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
