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At least 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.

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

Intense confrontations broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The Red Command reacted using shooting, igniting obstacles and dropping bombs from drones, police representatives stated.

The International human rights organization stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, urging "immediate and thorough inquiries".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of a major criminal organizations.

Government representatives said at least 50 of those killed were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

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

Community Response

Community members have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the operation began.

Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.

Local law enforcement stated more than 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.

Operation Background

The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a extended probe.

Dozens of the suspects are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are presently concealed in the metropolitan area.

Larger Framework

Large-scale police operations are regular in the South American nation prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.