At least 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
No less than 64 people died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.
Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.
Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities confirmed.
The International human rights organization expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the central command of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Resident Accounts
Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.
Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, together with multiple guns.
Operation Background
The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
