No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives said. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by various security forces follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil prior to major international events in the country.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
