🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups Residents described the region to a war zone after the mission A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past. Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 people were taken into custody. Around 2,500 security personnel participated in the security action Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed. The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries". Operation Impact The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the central command of a major illegal networks. Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Many residents were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Resident Accounts Locals have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began. Roads remain closed across the area. Organized Crime Spread The Comando Vermelho organization has been increasing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the mission, in addition to dozens of firearms. Mission Context The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area. Broader Context Major law enforcement actions are regular in the South American nation before major international events in the nation. The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.