A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 people lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. Over 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
