🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Police Raid on Organized Crime Community members described the region to a combat area after the operation No less than 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action targeting the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history. Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. In excess of 80 people were detained. Around 2,500 security personnel took part in Tuesday's operation Intense confrontations erupted when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization countered with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities confirmed. The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "prompt and effective investigations". Operation Impact The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks. Government representatives said at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Dozens of people were hurt, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Resident Accounts Locals have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started. Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood. Criminal Expansion The Red Command group has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and power in the informal settlements. Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the raid, together with multiple guns. Operation Background The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies follows a year-long investigation. Dozens of the suspects are thought to be members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the city. Broader Context Extensive security missions are regular in the country before significant global gatherings in the country. The UN climate summit COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in late autumn.