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A minimum of 64 people died in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.

Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 people were taken into custody.

Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.

The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the main base of a major criminal organizations.

Local authorities stated no less than 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Dozens of people were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Community Response

Residents have likened the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the raid started.

Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were confiscated in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.

Raid Preparation

The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Wider Perspective

Extensive security missions are regular in the South American nation prior to major international events in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in November.