A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
