A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of a major illegal networks.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
