🔗 Share this article At least 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups Community members likened the area to a war zone after the raid No less than 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history. Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials said. Over 80 suspects were detained. Around 2,500 security personnel participated in the security action Intense confrontations erupted when approximately 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said. The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries". Operation Impact The informal settlements near Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations. Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Local Reaction Residents have likened 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 increasing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements. Rio's police said over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, along with multiple guns. Operation Background The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area. Broader Context Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation. The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.