đź”— Share this article A minimum of 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime Locals likened the area to a battlefield after the operation No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records. Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of AlemĂŁo and Penha, government representatives stated. More than 80 people were arrested. Around 2,500 police forces participated in the security action Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said. The UN Human Rights Office said it was "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries". Operation Impact The area of favelas close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the headquarters of a major illegal networks. Local authorities stated no less than 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Community members have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced. Access ways continue shut across the area. Criminal Expansion The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, together with dozens of firearms. Operation Background The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a year-long investigation. Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are currently hiding in the city. Wider Perspective Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil ahead of major international events in the South American nation. The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.