No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes erupted when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of a major illegal networks.
State officials said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered 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 before major international events in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
