A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 people died in a police operation targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing 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 illegal substances were captured in the mission, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
