At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Criminal Groups

No less than 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's history.

Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, government representatives stated. Over 80 people were arrested.

Fierce clashes broke out when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.

The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements near Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.

State officials stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Dozens of people were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.

Resident Accounts

Locals have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.

Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.

Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.

Mission Context

The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.

Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.

Larger Framework

Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the country.

The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.