No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups
At least 64 people died in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's history.
Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 individuals were arrested.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 security personnel entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Mission Consequences
The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.
Local Reaction
Residents have compared the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Gang Growth
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.
Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.
Raid Preparation
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.
Wider Perspective
Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.
The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.
