No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime

At least 64 people were killed in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past.

Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 suspects were taken into custody.

Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was "appalled" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.

Local authorities said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

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

Community Response

Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed throughout the region.

Organized Crime Spread

The Red Command group has been increasing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, in addition to dozens of firearms.

Mission Context

The coordinated mission by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.

Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Broader Context

Large-scale police operations are regular in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.

The UN climate summit the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.