No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups
At least 64 civilians were killed in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the AlemĂŁo and Penha districts, local authorities stated. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.
The International human rights organization expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
State officials confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil before major international events in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
