A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. More than 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Community members have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, together with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in late autumn.
