A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Gangs
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of AlemĂŁo and Penha, local authorities stated. More than 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in November.
