At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Security Action on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
