🔗 Share this article At least 64 Dead in Rio's Largest Security Action on Gangs Residents described the region to a combat area after the mission No less than 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records. Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 suspects were taken into custody. Some 2,500 law enforcement officers participated in the security action Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said. The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the main base of a major illegal networks. Government representatives said at least 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Resident Accounts Locals have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began. Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood. Criminal Expansion The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities. Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons. Raid Preparation The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation. Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area. Larger Framework Large-scale police operations are regular in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation. The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.