No less than 64 individuals died in a police operation cracking down on the organized crime group in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs - the biggest and most lethal operation in the Brazilian state's past.
Four police officers lost their lives during the security mission in the communities of Alemão and Penha, state officials stated. More than 80 individuals were detained.
Fierce clashes erupted when approximately 2,500 security personnel initiated the operation on Tuesday early hours. The criminal organization reacted using armed resistance, setting fire to barriers and dropping bombs from drones, officials said.
The International human rights organization stated it felt "appalled" by the law enforcement raid, calling for "immediate and thorough inquiries".
The slum neighborhoods adjacent to the aerial transportation hub is considered to be the central command of one of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations.
State officials said at least 50 of the deceased were "identified by authorities as alleged offenders".
Many residents were wounded, including civilians caught in the crossfire.
Residents have described the elevated neighborhood - inhabited by approximately 300,000 people - to a "battlefield" since the raid started.
Roads remain closed throughout the region.
The criminal network has been increasing their territory across the Rio state, expanding narcotics distribution networks and control of the hillside favelas.
Rio's police stated more than 200kg (441lb) of narcotics were seized in the mission, in addition to multiple guns.
The coordinated mission by different law enforcement agencies was preceded by a year-long investigation.
Numerous alleged criminals are thought to be participants in an organization from the northern region who are at the moment taking refuge in the metropolitan area.
Large-scale police operations are regular in the country ahead of important worldwide conferences in the country.
The UN climate summit the climate conference is taking place in the northern urban center in November.
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