No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 individuals died in a police operation against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. More than 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation prior to major international events in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
