A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Security Action on Gangs
No less than 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 individuals were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".
Raid Aftermath
The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Locals have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed across the area.
Gang Growth
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, along with numerous weapons.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the nation.
The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.
