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A minimum of 64 people were killed in a police operation targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's records.

Four security agents lost their lives during the police action in the Alemão and Penha districts, state officials stated. More than 80 suspects were detained.

Violent conflicts broke out when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization reacted using gunfire, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, authorities said.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".

Raid Aftermath

The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of a major illegal networks.

Government representatives confirmed at least 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Local Reaction

Locals have compared the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed throughout the region.

Criminal Expansion

The criminal network has been growing their influence in the area, increasing drug trafficking routes and control of the hillside favelas.

Local law enforcement said over 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the raid, together with dozens of firearms.

Mission Context

The combined action by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.

Dozens of the suspects are considered participants in an organization from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are regular in Brazil ahead of significant global gatherings in the country.

The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.