đź”— Share this article At least 64 Dead in Rio de Janeiro's Biggest Security Action on Organized Crime Community members likened the area to a war zone after the mission No less than 64 people died in a law enforcement action against the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's past. Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the AlemĂŁo and Penha districts, government representatives said. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody. Some 2,500 police forces took part in the security action Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers entered the area on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials said. The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the police operation, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries". Mission Consequences The area of favelas adjacent to Rio's airport is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations. Local authorities said no less than 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders". Dozens of people were hurt, including non-combatants affected by the violence. Local Reaction Residents have compared the hillside area - home to about 300,000 people - to a "war zone" since the mission commenced. Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood. Organized Crime Spread The criminal network has been growing their control throughout the region, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities. Rio's police reported in excess of 200kg (441lb) of illegal substances were confiscated in the operation, together with numerous weapons. Operation Background The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies follows a extended probe. Many of the individuals are considered participants in an organization from the northern region who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area. Wider Perspective Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country before major international events in the country. The UN climate summit COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in November.