No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. Over 80 individuals were detained.
Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, together with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.