No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 individuals died in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are regular in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
