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No less than 64 individuals lost their lives in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's records.

Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were arrested.

Fierce clashes commenced when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with shooting, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives said.

The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the police operation, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements adjacent to Rio's airport is regarded as the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.

State officials stated no less than 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Local Reaction

Residents have likened the hillside area - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "combat area" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed throughout the region.

Organized Crime Spread

The Red Command group has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and power in the informal settlements.

Rio's police reported more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, in addition to multiple guns.

Mission Context

The coordinated mission by various security forces follows a extended probe.

Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the city.

Larger Framework

Extensive security missions are frequent in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.