A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of a major organised crime groups.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, in addition to numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.