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No less than 64 civilians were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's history.

Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities stated. Over 80 individuals were detained.

Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives confirmed.

The United Nations human rights body stated it felt "horrified" by the security action, demanding "prompt and effective investigations".

Raid Aftermath

The slum neighborhoods close to the city's international airport is considered to be the central command of a major illegal networks.

State officials confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Numerous individuals were injured, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Community Response

Residents have likened the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.

Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.

Organized Crime Spread

The Comando Vermelho organization have been expanding their influence in the area, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.

Rio's police stated over 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the operation, along with numerous weapons.

Mission Context

The combined action by various security forces follows a twelve-month inquiry.

Many of the individuals are considered affiliates of a group from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.

Broader Context

Large-scale police operations are not uncommon in the South American nation ahead of major international events in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference the climate conference is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.