At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
At least 64 civilians died in a security raid against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. In excess of 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Criminal Expansion
The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, along with dozens of firearms.
Operation Background
The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country before major international events in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the northern urban center in November.