No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
