A minimum of 64 people died in a security raid cracking down on the Red Command gang in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the largest and deadliest raid in the Brazilian state's records.
Four security agents were included in the fatalities during the police action in the neighborhoods of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 people were taken into custody.
Intense confrontations commenced when about 2,500 law enforcement officers moved in on Tuesday early hours. The Red Command reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and using drone-dropped explosives, officials confirmed.
The United Nations human rights body said it was "shocked" by the police operation, urging "prompt and effective investigations".
Mission Consequences
The slum neighborhoods close to Rio's airport is considered to be the headquarters of a major organised crime groups.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the deceased were "classified by law enforcement as potential lawbreakers".
Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Local Reaction
Locals have compared the hillside area - housing around 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Transport routes stay blocked across the area.
Gang Growth
The criminal network has been increasing their influence in the area, expanding narcotics distribution networks and dominance over the slum communities.
Rio's police reported over 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were captured in the mission, along with dozens of firearms.
Mission Context
The combined action by various security forces was preceded by a extended probe.
Many of the individuals are thought to be participants in an organization from the Brazilian state who are currently hiding in the metropolitan area.
Larger Framework
Major law enforcement actions are regular in the country ahead of major international events in the country.
The international environmental meeting the climate conference is set to occur in the northern city of Belem in the eleventh month.
