A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio de Janeiro's Largest Security Action on Criminal Groups

At least 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history.

Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials reported. In excess of 80 people were taken into custody.

Violent conflicts broke out when around 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, officials confirmed.

The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the security action, urging "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the central command of a major criminal organizations.

State officials stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

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

Resident Accounts

Locals have likened the elevated neighborhood - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "combat area" since the raid started.

Roads remain closed throughout the region.

Gang Growth

The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Rio's police said more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, along with numerous weapons.

Raid Preparation

The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a twelve-month inquiry.

Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Larger Framework

Extensive security missions are frequent in the country before significant global gatherings in the nation.

The international environmental meeting the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.