No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 individuals were killed in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. More than 80 individuals were arrested.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The informal settlements adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.
State officials said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Resident Accounts
Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil ahead of major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.
