(MENAFN) A large-scale police raid in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday left at least 64 people dead, according to reports citing local security officials. Among the dead were at least 60 suspected members of criminal organizations, along with two civil police officers and two members of the military police.

Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro warned that the number of fatalities could increase, as the operation was still underway.

Footage shared online appeared to show multiple fires and the sound of heavy gunfire in the areas affected by the raid.

Authorities said the operation targeted efforts to “combat the territorial expansion” of the Comando Vermelho criminal network. Officials noted that the mission had been planned for more than a year and included over 2,500 military and civil police officers.

So far, at least 81 people have been detained, and two wounded suspects were reportedly being treated under police guard at Penha Hospital.

Police raids are a frequent part of Rio de Janeiro’s campaign against organized crime in the city’s favelas, but this latest operation has been described as the deadliest in the city’s history.

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