🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Largest Police Raid on Gangs Residents compared the area to a combat area after the operation No less than 64 civilians died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's history. Four police officers were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. In excess of 80 individuals were detained. Around 2,500 police forces participated in Tuesday's operation Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho countered with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said. The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations". Operation Impact The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major criminal organizations. Local authorities stated a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Numerous individuals were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Community Response Residents have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced. Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood. Criminal Expansion The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities. Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, in addition to numerous weapons. Mission Context The coordinated mission by various security forces was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry. Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro. Wider Perspective Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the country prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation. The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.