A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in late autumn.
