No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action against the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are regular in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
