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At least 64 people were killed in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.

Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, local authorities stated. In excess of 80 people were detained.

Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The Comando Vermelho responded with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, authorities confirmed.

The International human rights organization said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas near Rio's airport is seen as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.

State officials said a minimum of 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Community Response

Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.

Organized Crime Spread

The criminal network have been expanding their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.

Local law enforcement stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the mission, along with dozens of firearms.

Operation Background

The coordinated mission by various security forces comes after a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.

Broader Context

Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil prior to important worldwide conferences in the nation.

The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.