🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Residents compared the area to a combat area after the operation A minimum of 64 people died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's past. Four security agents lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested. Some 2,500 police forces took part in the security action Violent conflicts commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated. The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks. State officials stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Numerous individuals were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Residents have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started. Roads remain closed throughout the region. Criminal Expansion The criminal network has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and dominance over the slum communities. Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, together with dozens of firearms. Raid Preparation The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe. Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation. The United Nations climate conference COP30 is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.