🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Residents likened the neighborhood to a war zone after the raid A minimum of 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records. Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were detained. Approximately 2,500 security personnel took part in the police raid Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed. The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations". Operation Impact The area of favelas adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the headquarters of a major organised crime groups. Local authorities stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Locals have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced. Transport routes stay blocked across the area. Organized Crime Spread The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities. Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons. Operation Background The joint operation by civil and military police follows a extended probe. Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro. Broader Context Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country ahead of major international events in the country. The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.