No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed 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 Brazilian state's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
State officials stated no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in late autumn.
