At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are regular in Brazil ahead of major international events in the country.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
