🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Criminal Groups Community members compared the region to a war zone after the operation A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past. Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. More than 80 suspects were detained. Around 2,500 law enforcement officers participated in the police raid Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities said. The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations". Operation Impact The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups. State officials stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Local Reaction Residents have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began. Roads remain closed across the area. Gang Growth The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, together with dozens of firearms. Operation Background The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry. Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the city. Broader Context Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the nation. The UN climate summit the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in November.