A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
No less than 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. Over 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements near the city's international airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
