No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
At least 64 people died in a law enforcement action targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of a major illegal networks.
Local authorities said no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
