MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) – At least 11 people were killed in major clashes between police and criminals in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil, the Rede Globo TV network reports.
Seven of the people died during a shootout between bank robbers and police in the Currais Novos municipality in Rio Grande do Norte, according to Globo. The criminals opened fire after they were stopped by police on Sunday morning. The officers returned fire, killing all of the robbers and freeing the taxi driver who had been taken hostage.
Four more criminals were shot to death by police on the same day in one of the favelas in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Globo TV reports. The shootout happened while Rio's military police were conducting a special operation in the area.
Rio street crime is a pressing concern in Brazil with the approaching 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The Olympics will open in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, 2016 while the closing ceremony is scheduled for August 21.
