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No less than 64 people were killed in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.

Four security agents were among those killed during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials said. In excess of 80 people were arrested.

Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities stated.

The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas near the city's international airport is regarded as the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.

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

Many residents were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting.

Community Response

Community members have likened the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "war zone" since the operation began.

Access ways continue shut throughout the region.

Gang Growth

The Comando Vermelho organization has been growing their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.

Local law enforcement reported more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were captured in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.

Mission Context

The combined action by civil and military police was preceded by a extended probe.

Many of the individuals are thought to be affiliates of a group from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are frequent in the South American nation ahead of important worldwide conferences in the country.

The UN climate summit the environmental summit is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.