No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 civilians died in a police operation against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.
Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.
Government representatives confirmed a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Resident Accounts
Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the country.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
