A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 people died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 individuals were detained.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
State officials said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
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.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country before significant global gatherings in the country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
