At least 64 killed in biggest police crackdown on gangs in Rio

At least 64 people have been killed in a police operation against the Red Command gang in the northern suburbs of Rio de Janeiro – the biggest and deadliest raid in the history of the Brazilian state.

Four policemen were among those killed during Operation Containment in the districts of Alemão and Penha, state governor Claudio Castro said. Over 80 people were arrested.

Fierce clashes erupted as around 2,500 security personnel intervened on Tuesday morning. The Red Command (Commando Vermelo) responded with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.

The UN human rights office said it was “appalled” by the police operation, calling for “swift and effective investigations”.

The favela area near Rio’s airport is believed to be home to one of Brazil’s most powerful organized crime groups.

State officials said at least 50 of those killed were “named by police as suspected criminals”.

Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.

Locals have likened the hill area – home to around 300,000 people – to a “war zone” since the operation began.

Roads remain closed across the region.

The Red Command group is expanding its territory in Rio state, increasing drug trafficking routes and controlling mountain favelas.

Rio police said more than 200kg (441lb) of drugs were seized in the raid, along with dozens of firearms.

The joint operation by civilian and military police comes after a year-long investigation.

Dozens of the suspects are believed to be members of a faction from the state of Pará who are currently hiding in Rio de Janeiro.

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

The UN climate summit COP30 takes place in the northern city of Belem in November.