No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Security Action on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
