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At least 64 people were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's past.

Four police officers were among those killed during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. More than 80 suspects were arrested.

Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities stated.

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

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements close to the aerial transportation hub is regarded as 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".

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

Resident Accounts

Community members have described the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the raid started.

Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood.

Organized Crime Spread

The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the operation, along with multiple guns.

Operation Background

The joint operation by civil and military police was preceded by a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are believed to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.

Larger Framework

Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the country.

The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.