🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime Locals described the area to a battlefield after the operation No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records. Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were taken into custody. Around 2,500 police forces were involved in Tuesday's operation Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday morning. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials stated. The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The informal settlements near the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations. Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the deceased 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 elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started. Roads remain closed throughout the region. Criminal Expansion The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas. Local law enforcement reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons. Raid Preparation The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry. Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro. Larger Framework Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the country. The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.