🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Community members described the area to a war zone after the mission A minimum of 64 people lost their lives in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's past. Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives stated. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested. Some 2,500 law enforcement officers were involved in Tuesday's operation Fierce clashes erupted when around 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed. The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations". Raid Aftermath The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations. Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Local Reaction Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced. Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region. Criminal Expansion The Red Command group have been expanding their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas. Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the raid, along with dozens of firearms. Operation Background The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area. Broader Context Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation. The UN climate summit the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.