A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation against the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.
Four security agents were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Residents have likened the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network has been growing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, together with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
