No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Criminal Groups
At least 64 people were killed in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of AlemĂŁo and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" 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 main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Government representatives said at least 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil prior to major international events in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
