At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives said at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Community members have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
