🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Gangs Community members compared the area to a battlefield after the raid No less than 64 people lost their lives in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records. Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. Over 80 suspects were taken into custody. Some 2,500 police forces took part in the police raid Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives said. The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the police operation, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations. Government representatives stated at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Resident Accounts Residents have likened the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began. Roads remain closed across the area. Gang Growth The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the operation, in addition to multiple guns. Mission Context The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the city. Broader Context Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation ahead of significant global gatherings in the South American nation. The international environmental meeting COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.