🔗 Share this article At least 64 Killed in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime Community members likened the region to a combat area after the operation A minimum of 64 people died in a law enforcement action against the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the region's past. Four security agents lost their lives during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials reported. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody. Some 2,500 law enforcement officers participated in Tuesday's operation Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives confirmed. The UN Human Rights Office stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries". Raid Aftermath The slum neighborhoods adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups. Local authorities said at least 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Local Reaction Locals have described the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started. Access ways continue shut across the area. Gang Growth The Red Command group has been growing their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas. Security forces said more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the raid, along with dozens of firearms. Operation Background The combined action by various security forces follows a extended probe. Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area. Larger Framework Major law enforcement actions are not uncommon in the country ahead of significant global gatherings in the country. The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.