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Deadly wave of violence hits Rio Deadly wave of violence hits Rio
(about 2 hours later)
At least 10 people are reported to have been killed in a string of gang attacks on buses and police stations in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. At least 15 people have been killed in a string of gang attacks on buses and police stations in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, reports say.
In one incident, six passengers were burnt to death when gunmen attacked their bus and set fire to it.In one incident, six passengers were burnt to death when gunmen attacked their bus and set fire to it.
The wave of violence across the city started on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning.The wave of violence across the city started on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning.
Officials said gangs had launched the attacks in retaliation for a police crackdown on their activities. Officials said the co-ordinated attacks had probably been planned from jail by imprisoned gang leaders.
Rio state Security Secretary Roberto Precioso said the gangs were trying to put pressure on the authorities to gain concessions and privileges in the prisons, O Globo Online reported.
'War''War'
At least four police stations in different parts of Rio were attacked with grenades and automatic fire.At least four police stations in different parts of Rio were attacked with grenades and automatic fire.
Three buses were set on fire, and gunmen are reported to have stopped emergency workers from getting close to the scene.Three buses were set on fire, and gunmen are reported to have stopped emergency workers from getting close to the scene.
As military police and gunmen exchanged fire on some of Rio's streets, motorists fled their cars to seek shelter.As military police and gunmen exchanged fire on some of Rio's streets, motorists fled their cars to seek shelter.
Two police officers are reported to be among the dead, as well as at least one gang member.Two police officers are reported to be among the dead, as well as at least one gang member.
One local media report said there was an atmosphere of war in the city. One local media report has spoken of an atmosphere of war in the city.
Rio's shantytowns, or favelas, are frequently the scene of shoot-outs between officers and gang members, as are poorer neighbourhoods in other Brazilian cities. Rio is reputed to be one of the most violent cities in the world.
In May, more than 120 people died in Sao Paulo after a wave of gang attacks. The attacks triggered a heavy police backlash, which has been blamed for many of the deaths. Its shantytowns, or favelas, are frequently the scene of shoot-outs between officers and gang members, as are poor neighbourhoods in other Brazilian cities.
In May, more than 120 people died in Sao Paulo after a wave of gang attacks. These triggered a heavy police backlash, which was blamed for many of the deaths.