A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents were among those killed during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities said. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil before major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in November.
