🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Gangs Locals described the neighborhood to a war zone after the operation At least 64 people were killed in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records. Four security agents were among those killed during the security mission in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 suspects were arrested. Some 2,500 security personnel took part in the security action Violent conflicts erupted when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said. The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Raid Aftermath The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations. Local authorities said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Dozens of people were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Local Reaction Residents have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the operation began. Access ways continue shut across the area. Organized Crime Spread The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas. Security forces stated over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons. Operation Background The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a twelve-month inquiry. Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro. Wider Perspective Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country prior to major international events in the nation. The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.