No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs
At least 64 individuals were killed in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. In excess of 80 suspects were detained.
Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Raid Aftermath
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of a major criminal organizations.
State officials confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Locals have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.
Organized Crime Spread
The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The joint operation by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.
Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil before major international events in the South American nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.
