At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 individuals were detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.
