No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with shooting, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is seen as the main base of a major criminal organizations.
State officials confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, together with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by various security forces follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
