đź”— Share this article At least 64 Dead in Rio's Most Extensive Police Raid on Organized Crime Residents compared the region to a war zone after the raid At least 64 people were killed in a police operation cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's history. Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of AlemĂŁo and Penha, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested. Around 2,500 law enforcement officers were involved in Tuesday's operation Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command responded with shooting, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed. The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations". Operation Impact The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is seen as the central command of a major criminal organizations. Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Community members have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the operation began. Roads remain closed throughout the region. Gang Growth The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements. Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, in addition to dozens of firearms. Operation Background The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry. Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area. Broader Context Major law enforcement actions are frequent in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation. The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.