🔗 Share this article A minimum of 64 Fatally Wounded in Rio's Most Extensive Security Action on Gangs Community members described the region to a war zone after the mission At least 64 individuals lost their lives in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the Brazilian state's history. Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 individuals were taken into custody. Around 2,500 law enforcement officers participated in the security action Fierce clashes broke out when approximately 2,500 police forces initiated the operation on Tuesday morning. The Red Command responded with shooting, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials stated. The International human rights organization said it was "horrified" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations". Operation Impact The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups. Government representatives confirmed no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers". Numerous individuals were wounded, including innocent bystanders trapped in shooting. Local Reaction Community members have likened the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the operation began. Access ways continue shut across the area. Criminal Expansion The criminal network have been expanding their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities. Local law enforcement said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, along with multiple guns. Mission Context The coordinated mission by civil and military police follows a twelve-month inquiry. Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Major law enforcement actions are regular in Brazil ahead of major international events in the country. The international environmental meeting the environmental summit is set to occur in the city of Belem in the north in late autumn.