At least 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials said.
The International human rights organization said it was "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
