No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
State officials stated at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
