No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the AlemĂŁo and Penha districts, local authorities stated. Over 80 people were detained.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated.
The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of a major criminal organizations.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the country ahead of major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled in the northern urban center in November.
