A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 suspects were detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of a major illegal networks.
Government representatives said at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, together with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to major international events in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
