No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 civilians were killed in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The International human rights organization expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
