🔗 Share this article At least 64 Dead in Rio's Biggest Security Action on Criminal Groups Residents likened the area to a war zone after the mission No less than 64 people lost their lives in a law enforcement action targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the region's past. Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. Over 80 suspects were arrested. Some 2,500 law enforcement officers took part in the police raid Intense confrontations commenced when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated. The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the security action, calling for "prompt and effective investigations". Mission Consequences The area of favelas close to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of a major organised crime groups. State officials stated a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals". Many residents were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire. Community Response Residents have described the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began. Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood. Gang Growth The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements. Rio's police said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the raid, in addition to multiple guns. Operation Background The coordinated mission by various security forces was preceded by a year-long investigation. Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro. Larger Framework Large-scale police operations are frequent in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation. The UN climate summit the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.