At least 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of a major illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
