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The eyewitness

An eyewitness who documented the consequences of a massive law enforcement action in the metropolitan area has recounted how local people returned with mutilated bodies of people who lost their lives.

The casualties "kept coming: the numbers kept rising", the eyewitness described. Among them were security forces.

One individual had been decapitated - while others appeared "completely mutilated", he reported. Numerous victims displayed what he described as stab wounds.

Over 120 individuals were fatally injured during Tuesday's raid on a criminal gang - the deadliest such raid Rio has experienced.

The photographer reported that residents first notified him about the operation Tuesday morning by residents from the Alemão area, who reached out telling him gunfire had erupted.

The reporter made his way to the healthcare center, where the casualties were arriving.

The photographer stated that security forces blocked media personnel from entering the affected area, where the police action was under way.

"Police officers formed a line and declared: 'The press cannot proceed beyond this point'."

Nevertheless, the eyewitness, who was raised in that neighborhood, reported he succeeded to enter into the restricted zone, where he continued through the night.

He described that Tuesday night, area inhabitants started looking the elevated terrain which divides the community of Penha and the adjacent Alemão area for loved ones who had been missing following the security action.

Residents of the Penha neighbourhood arranged the recovered bodies in a public space - the documented evidence display the reaction of the people there.

"The violence of what occurred shook me deeply: the grief of the families, mothers fainting, expectant spouses, crying, furious relatives," the reporter recounted.

The photographer

The state leader of the region stated that the extensive law enforcement effort involving around 2,500 security personnel was aimed at stopping an illegal organization known as Red Command from increasing their control.

At first, the Rio state government maintained that sixty individuals along with four officers" were fatally injured in the raid.

Officials subsequently stated that early calculations indicates that 117 "suspects" have been killed.

The public legal service, that offers legal help to disadvantaged individuals, has estimated the total number of casualties at 132.

Per investigative findings, Red Command represents the unique criminal entity which in recent years has managed to make territorial gains in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

It is widely considered one of the two largest gangs nationally, together with a rival criminal group, with a background spanning over five decades.

According to Brazilian journalist an expert, who has long reported on criminal activity in the city over many years, the gang "functions as a network" with area gang leaders joining the organization and acting as "business partners".

The organization engages primarily in narcotics distribution, additionally trafficking weapons, valuable minerals, energy resources, alcohol smoking products.

Per law enforcement statements, criminal affiliates possess significant weaponry and authorities stated that while the action was underway, they encountered resistance from explosive-laden drones.

The governor of the region, Cláudio Castro, characterized organization participants as "narcoterrorists" and described the security forces who died during the operation as brave public servants.

Nevertheless, the total of people killed in the security action has come in for criticism from international human rights authorities expressing they felt "appalled".

At a news conference the next day, Governor Castro defended the police force.

"It wasn't our intention to cause fatalities. We wanted to detain everyone safely," he stated.

He added that the circumstances intensified due to the alleged criminals fought back: "It occurred of the counterattack they implemented and the overwhelming response by those criminals."

The official also said that the casualties shown by residents in the area were "altered".

Through a message on social media, he said that certain victims had been removed of tactical gear which he claimed they wore "to transfer accusation to security forces".

A law enforcement representative representing security forces additionally stated that tactical gear, body armor, and arms" had been removed from the casualties and presented video apparently demonstrating a person removing tactical gear {off a corpse