No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts erupted when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are regular in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
