At least 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is seen as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Community members have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country before significant global gatherings in the country.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
