No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Gangs
No less than 64 individuals were killed in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's history.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of AlemĂŁo and Penha, state officials reported. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements near Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Criminal Expansion
The Red Command group has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, along with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Broader Context
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the South American nation.
The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
