No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
A minimum of 64 people were killed in a security raid against the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. More than 80 people were arrested.
Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Community Response
Locals have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, along with numerous weapons.
Operation Background
The joint operation by civil and military police follows a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.
Broader Context
Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil ahead of major international events in the country.
The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.
