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At least 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's north zone - the biggest and most lethal operation in the area's records.

Four police officers were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 suspects were arrested.

Fierce clashes commenced when around 2,500 police forces moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials confirmed.

The International human rights organization expressed being "shocked" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".

Operation Impact

The area of favelas adjacent to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.

State officials confirmed a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

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

Resident Accounts

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

Roads remain closed across the area.

Organized Crime Spread

The criminal network has been increasing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and power in the informal settlements.

Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were confiscated in the mission, along with multiple guns.

Operation Background

The combined action by civil and military police follows a year-long investigation.

Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.

Larger Framework

Extensive security missions are frequent in the South American nation ahead of major international events in the nation.

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