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No less than 64 individuals died in a law enforcement action targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.

Four police officers lost their lives during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 individuals were detained.

Intense confrontations erupted when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, igniting obstacles and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, authorities said.

The United Nations human rights body expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is regarded as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.

State officials stated at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Numerous individuals were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Local Reaction

Residents have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "war zone" since the raid started.

Access ways continue shut throughout the region.

Gang Growth

The Red Command group has been increasing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Local law enforcement reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.

Operation Background

The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe.

Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in Rio de Janeiro.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation before major international events in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.