No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Police Raid on Criminal Groups

No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid against the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's history.

Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. In excess of 80 people were arrested.

Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.

The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.

Local authorities confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Many residents were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Resident Accounts

Residents have described the hillside area - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements.

Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons.

Mission Context

The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.

Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.

Wider Perspective

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

The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in November.