No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 people died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of a major criminal organizations.
State officials said no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.
