A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime
No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's history.
Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. More than 80 people were detained.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said.
The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Local Reaction
Locals have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
Gang Growth
The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Local law enforcement reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city.
Larger Framework
Extensive security missions are regular in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the country.
The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
