No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. Over 80 suspects were arrested.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, together with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by various security forces follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the country.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
