A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people died in a security raid against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. In excess of 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The International human rights organization said it was "appalled" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Community members have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
