No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Organized Crime
At least 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks.
State officials confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Community Response
Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Mission Context
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.
Wider Perspective
Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil prior to major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.
