No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. Over 80 individuals were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near the aerial transportation hub is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
