No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people died in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. More than 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
