🔗 Share this article No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Most Extensive Law Enforcement Operation on Organized Crime Residents described the neighborhood to a battlefield after the operation No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's history. Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities reported. In excess of 80 individuals were detained. Around 2,500 law enforcement officers were involved in the security action Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said. The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries". Raid Aftermath The informal settlements close to the city's international airport is regarded as the central command of a major criminal organizations. Government representatives said at least 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Community Response Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the operation began. Access ways continue shut in the entire neighborhood. Criminal Expansion The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas. Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the operation, along with multiple guns. Mission Context The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation. Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city. Broader Context Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the country. The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.