No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups

A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.

Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 suspects were taken into custody.

Fierce clashes commenced when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities confirmed.

The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas near the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.

State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Numerous individuals were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Local Reaction

Locals have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.

Roads remain closed across the area.

Gang Growth

The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.

Local law enforcement reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.

Operation Background

The coordinated mission by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.

Broader Context

Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.

The international environmental meeting the climate conference is taking place in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.