A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with gunfire, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Government representatives stated at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation before major international events in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
