A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians were killed in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the security action, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Community members have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Gang Growth
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, together with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country before major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
