At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Gangs

No less than 64 individuals died in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past.

Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.

Violent conflicts commenced when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives confirmed.

The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.

Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Numerous individuals were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.

Resident Accounts

Residents have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced.

Roads remain closed throughout the region.

Organized Crime Spread

The criminal network has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.

Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, along with multiple guns.

Mission Context

The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation.

Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Larger Framework

Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil before significant global gatherings in the country.

The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in November.