No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 individuals were killed in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Government representatives stated at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
