🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime Community members likened the region to a war zone 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 northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history. Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. Over 80 individuals were arrested. Approximately 2,500 police forces participated in the police raid Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities stated. The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations". Raid Aftermath The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest illegal networks. State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Resident Accounts Community members have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began. Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood. Gang Growth The Red Command group has been increasing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, along with multiple guns. Mission Context The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a extended probe. Numerous alleged criminals are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area. Larger Framework Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the nation. The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.