No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Residents have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Criminal Expansion
The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.
