🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Residents likened the neighborhood to a war zone after the raid No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a police operation targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records. Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 individuals were taken into custody. Around 2,500 security personnel participated in the security action Intense confrontations broke out when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said. The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of a major organised crime groups. Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Resident Accounts Residents have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced. Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region. Organized Crime Spread The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities. Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, in addition to multiple guns. Raid Preparation The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry. Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city. Broader Context Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the nation. The UN climate summit COP30 is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.