đź”— Share this article No less than 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Law Enforcement Operation on Criminal Groups Residents compared the area to a war zone after the mission No less than 64 civilians lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history. Four law enforcement personnel were included in the fatalities during the police action in the communities of AlemĂŁo and Penha, local authorities said. More than 80 individuals were detained. Around 2,500 security personnel took part in Tuesday's operation Violent conflicts erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho reacted using armed resistance, burning barricades and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated. The United Nations human rights body expressed being "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, demanding "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The area of favelas close to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations. State officials stated at least 50 of those killed were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Community Response Residents have described the mountainous region - inhabited by approximately 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started. Access ways continue shut across the area. Criminal Expansion The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas. Security forces stated in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, in addition to multiple guns. Operation Background The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a year-long investigation. Numerous alleged criminals are considered members of a faction from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Major law enforcement actions are frequent in Brazil prior to significant global gatherings in the South American nation. The UN climate summit the climate conference is scheduled in the city of Belem in the north in November.