No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people died in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. More than 80 people were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.