A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime
No less than 64 civilians died in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the AlemĂŁo and Penha districts, local authorities stated. More than 80 individuals were detained.
Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".
Operation Impact
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.
Local authorities said at least 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Dozens of people were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.
Community Response
Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the operation began.
Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.
Organized Crime Spread
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.
Security forces said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.
Mission Context
The combined action by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry.
Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the country.
The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in November.
