No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation ahead of major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.
