No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime

No less than 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's records.

Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. Over 80 suspects were taken into custody.

Fierce clashes commenced when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.

The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks.

Local authorities said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".

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

Local Reaction

Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.

Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.

Security forces reported over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.

Raid Preparation

The combined action by various security forces follows a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before major international events in the South American nation.

The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.