A minimum of 64 individuals were killed in a security raid against the criminal organization Comando Vermelho in the Brazilian city's northern districts - the most extensive and fatal action in the area's records.
Four law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the police action in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 suspects were taken into custody.
Violent conflicts commenced when about 2,500 police forces entered the area on Tuesday morning. The Comando Vermelho responded with armed resistance, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The United Nations human rights body expressed being "horrified" by the police operation, urging "swift and comprehensive examinations".
The area of favelas near the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of among the nation's strongest illegal networks.
Local authorities confirmed at least 50 of the fatalities were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals".
Many residents were hurt, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Locals have described the mountainous region - home to about 300,000 individuals - to a "battlefield" since the mission commenced.
Roads remain closed in the entire neighborhood.
The Red Command group have been expanding their control throughout the region, growing illegal substance trade paths and control of the hillside favelas.
Local law enforcement said in excess of 200kg (441lb) of drugs were captured in the operation, together with numerous weapons.
The joint operation by civil and military police comes after a extended probe.
Numerous alleged criminals are considered affiliates of a group from the Pará state who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Extensive security missions are frequent in the country prior to significant global gatherings in the nation.
The UN climate summit the environmental summit is set to occur in the northern urban center in late autumn.
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Jeremy King
Jeremy King
Jeremy King
Jeremy King