No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people died in a police operation against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas near the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Government representatives said no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have likened the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
