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No less than 64 individuals were killed in a security raid against the organized crime group in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the region's past.

Four law enforcement personnel were among those killed during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, local authorities said. In excess of 80 suspects were arrested.

Violent conflicts erupted when approximately 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command countered with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials stated.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was "horrified" by the security action, urging "prompt and effective investigations".

Mission Consequences

The informal settlements adjacent to the city's international airport is seen as the main base of among the nation's strongest organised crime groups.

State officials said a minimum of 50 of the deceased were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".

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

Resident Accounts

Community members have compared the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the operation began.

Transport routes stay blocked throughout the region.

Organized Crime Spread

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

Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the operation, together with numerous weapons.

Operation Background

The joint operation by different law enforcement agencies comes after a twelve-month inquiry.

Many of the individuals are believed to be members of a faction from the Pará state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.

Broader Context

Extensive security missions are frequent in the country before major international events in the country.

The United Nations climate conference the environmental summit is taking place in the northern urban center in the eleventh month.