A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is set to occur in the northern urban center in November.
