🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Criminal Groups Residents described the region to a combat area after the mission A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records. Four police officers lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody. Around 2,500 security personnel were involved in the police raid Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said. The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods near the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks. Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Many residents were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Resident Accounts Locals have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began. Roads remain closed throughout the region. Criminal Expansion The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, together with dozens of firearms. Operation Background The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation. Many of the individuals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation. The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.