A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians lost their lives in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. More than 80 suspects were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
State officials said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
