At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals were killed in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
