No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Fierce clashes commenced when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities 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.
Community Response
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
