No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
