🔗 Share this article

No less than 64 people died in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's north zone - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.

Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the security mission in the Alemão and Penha districts, government representatives said. In excess of 80 suspects were taken into custody.

Intense confrontations broke out when about 2,500 security personnel entered the area on Tuesday early hours. The Comando Vermelho responded with shooting, igniting obstacles and using drone-dropped explosives, police representatives stated.

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

Raid Aftermath

The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is seen as the headquarters of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.

Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the fatalities were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".

Many residents were wounded, including non-combatants affected by the violence.

Community Response

Residents have compared the elevated neighborhood - housing around 300,000 people - to a "combat area" since the raid started.

Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.

Organized Crime Spread

The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.

Security forces said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the operation, in addition to numerous weapons.

Mission Context

The combined action by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.

Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are presently concealed in Rio de Janeiro.

Wider Perspective

Large-scale police operations are frequent in Brazil ahead of important worldwide conferences in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is taking place in the city of Belem in the north in the eleventh month.