At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Police Raid on Gangs

At least 64 civilians died in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.

Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities said. Over 80 suspects were detained.

Intense confrontations commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with gunfire, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives said.

The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".

Operation Impact

The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is seen as the main base of a major illegal networks.

Local authorities said no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Resident Accounts

Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.

Security forces reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.

Raid Preparation

The combined action by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.

Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.

Wider Perspective

Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the South American nation prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.