No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization said it was "appalled" by the police operation, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas near Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have likened the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
