No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during the police action in the AlemĂŁo and Penha districts, government representatives said. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.