🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime Residents described the neighborhood to a combat area after the operation A minimum of 64 civilians were killed in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past. Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. In excess of 80 individuals were taken into custody. Around 2,500 police forces participated in Tuesday's operation Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed. The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods near Rio's airport is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations. Government representatives stated at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Many residents were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Resident Accounts Community members have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began. Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region. Criminal Expansion The Red Command group has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities. Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms. Operation Background The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry. Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the city. Broader Context Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the South American nation. The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.