No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country before significant global gatherings in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
