No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs
A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four security agents lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.
The International human rights organization said it was "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.
Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.
Gang Growth
The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the South American nation.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
