During a violent shootout, the Brazilian police killed 11 attackers – ElSol.com.ar – Diario de Mendoza, Argentina

At least 11 people were killed in a shooting between police and thieves after an attempted robbery at two bank branches in the Brazilian city of Guararema, in the metropolitan area of ​​Sao Paulo, police sources said Thursday.

The eleven victims suspected of robbery and died during a shootout with the officers, who were not injured, confirmed the military police.

A total of 30 criminals heavily armed with rifles and pistols participated in the badault attempt on the branches of Banco do Brasil and Santander Brasil, located just a few meters from the same street in Guararema, a tourist town. about 30,000 inhabitants located about Sao Paulo at 80 km.

The criminals even operated ATMs from one of the agencies, but the arrival of the police thwarted the robbery.

"The first thing that happened was the exchange of gunfire with the Territorial Police of the area, who asked for reinforcements.The Rota (the police special operations battalion) military of Sao Paulo) blocked the roads so that they can not escape, "he explained. Commander of the Rota, Mario Alves da Silva, in statements on Globo television.

For his part, the governor of Sao Paulo, Joao Doria, congratulated the agents who participated in the action of sending the "bandits" to the "cemetery".

"The bandits who use guns, rifles and machine guns are not going to walk around, they have been aggressive and have made victims, congratulations to the policemen who acted and put ten other bandits in the cemetery," said Doria at the same time. TV set.

During the escape, during which they used five armored cars, the suspects entered a house and took a family hostage, although they were later released, according to the information. communicated by the military police.

According to the authorities, the suspects were already controlled by the organized crime group (Gaeco), linked to the prosecutor's office, and it was known that they were preparing an attack in the region.

"We did not know where exactly they would lead the attack, so we strengthened security in both cities," added Silva.

Theft in ATMs by means of explosives is common in Brazil and is usually committed by organized crime groups.

Last week, a group of heavily armed men stormed a hotel located in Brasilia, next to the official residence of the Brazilian presidency, and escaped with a sum of money. unspecified money after the destruction of three electronic counters by explosives.