A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities stated at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation before significant global gatherings in the country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
