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A minimum of 64 individuals were killed in a law enforcement action cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's past.

Four security agents were included in the fatalities during Operation Containment in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. Over 80 people were arrested.

Fierce clashes broke out when about 2,500 security personnel moved in on the morning of the operation. The criminal organization responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and launching explosives via unmanned aircraft, police representatives stated.

The United Nations human rights body said it was "appalled" by the police operation, calling for "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest criminal organizations.

Government representatives stated no less than 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

Numerous individuals were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Community Response

Residents have likened the mountainous region - housing around 300,000 residents - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.

Transport routes stay blocked in the entire neighborhood.

Criminal Expansion

The criminal network has been growing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.

Local law enforcement stated over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.

Mission Context

The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe.

Numerous alleged criminals are believed to be participants in an organization from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.

Broader Context

Extensive security missions are not uncommon in the country ahead of major international events in the nation.

The United Nations climate conference COP30 is scheduled in the northern city of Belem in late autumn.