No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Security Action on Organized Crime

No less than 64 people lost their lives in a security raid against the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.

Four police officers were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 individuals were detained.

Fierce clashes commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho countered with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.

The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the security action, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Operation Impact

The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.

State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Community Response

Community members have described the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.

Transport routes stay blocked across the area.

Organized Crime Spread

The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.

Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with numerous weapons.

Raid Preparation

The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.

Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.

Larger Framework

Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation.

The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.