No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
