No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
At least 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. More than 80 suspects were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is seen as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil ahead of major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
