A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs

A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's records.

Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody.

Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.

Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".

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

Resident Accounts

Locals have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.

Access ways continue shut across the area.

Organized Crime Spread

The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities.

Rio's police stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the raid, in addition to multiple guns.

Mission Context

The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a extended probe.

Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation ahead of major international events in the South American nation.

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