At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
At least 64 people lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 people were detained.
Violent conflicts broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation before major international events in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
