🔗 Share this article At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups Locals likened the neighborhood to a war zone after the mission A minimum of 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history. Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 individuals were arrested. Approximately 2,500 police forces were involved in the police raid Fierce clashes commenced when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials said. The United Nations human rights body said it was "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations. Government representatives said no less than 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Resident Accounts Community members have likened the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the operation began. Transport routes stay blocked across the area. Organized Crime Spread The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas. Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the operation, along with numerous weapons. Mission Context The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are believed to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation. The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.