🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime Community members likened the region to a war zone after the mission A minimum of 64 individuals lost their lives in a police operation against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records. Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives reported. More than 80 people were taken into custody. Around 2,500 police forces were involved in the security action Intense confrontations erupted when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed. The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations". Operation Impact The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of a major organised crime groups. Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Numerous individuals were injured, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Local Reaction Community members have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced. Transport routes stay blocked across the area. Gang Growth The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements. Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, along with numerous weapons. Operation Background The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city. Larger Framework Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the country. The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.