🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Gangs Community members described the area 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 Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's records. Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 individuals were taken into custody. Around 2,500 security personnel participated in the security action Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Red Command reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials said. The UN Human Rights Office expressed being "shocked" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks. Government representatives stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Many residents were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Community Response Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began. Roads remain closed throughout the region. Organized Crime Spread The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities. Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the mission, together with numerous weapons. Mission Context The coordinated mission by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe. Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area. Broader Context Extensive security missions are not uncommon in Brazil before major international events in the country. The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.