No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with gunfire, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.