🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Locals described the neighborhood to a combat area after the mission A minimum of 64 civilians died in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's records. Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody. Approximately 2,500 police forces participated in Tuesday's operation Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated. The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations. State officials said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Community Response Residents have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started. Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood. Organized Crime Spread The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities. Security forces reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, together with multiple guns. Operation Background The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro. Larger Framework Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country before major international events in the South American nation. The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.