A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs
At least 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements near the city's international airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
State officials said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
