A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 suspects were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials said.
The International human rights organization said it was "appalled" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of a major organised crime groups.
State officials stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
