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No less than 64 people were killed in a security raid targeting the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's history.

Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, government representatives reported. In excess of 80 individuals were arrested.

Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization countered with gunfire, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, authorities said.

The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "swift and comprehensive examinations".

Mission Consequences

The area of favelas close to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of one of Brazil's most powerful organised crime groups.

Government representatives said a minimum of 50 of the fatalities were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".

Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Local Reaction

Community members have compared the hillside area - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the mission commenced.

Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.

Organized Crime Spread

The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and dominance over the slum communities.

Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were seized in the operation, together with multiple guns.

Operation Background

The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies comes after a extended probe.

Dozens of the suspects are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the city.

Larger Framework

Extensive security missions are frequent in the country ahead of major international events in the country.

The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the northern urban center in late autumn.