🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Killed in Rio's Largest Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime Locals compared the neighborhood to a battlefield after the operation At least 64 people died in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the area's records. Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. More than 80 people were arrested. Some 2,500 police forces were involved in the police raid Intense confrontations erupted when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities said. The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the security action, calling for "swift and comprehensive examinations". Raid Aftermath The area of favelas adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as the main base of one of Brazil's most powerful illegal networks. Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Locals have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started. Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood. Organized Crime Spread The Red Command group have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas. Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, together with multiple guns. Mission Context The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are presently concealed in the city. Wider Perspective Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil before important worldwide conferences in the nation. The international environmental meeting COP30 is taking place in the northern city of Belem in November.