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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6214299.stm

Last Updated: Thursday, 28 December 2006, 15:41 GMT

"Rio hit by deadly gang violence"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Gang attacks on buses and police stations in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro have left at least 18 people dead, officials say.

In one incident, seven passengers were burnt to death when gunmen attacked their bus and torched it.

The wave of violence across the city started on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning.

Officials said the co-ordinated attacks had probably been planned from jail by imprisoned gang leaders.

I don't know how, but I gathered my strength, got myself into the aisle of the bus and jumped through the window - I felt like I was being toasted
Passenger

The gangs were trying to put pressure on the authorities ahead of the swearing-in of a new state governor on 1 January, Rio state Security Secretary Roberto Precioso told reporters.

"It is very difficult to prevent these types of attacks that were practically kamikaze. Police action prevented the situation from getting much worse," he said.

Favelas occupied

One local media report has spoken of an atmosphere of war in the city, which is preparing for a huge New Year's Eve beach party.

At least 12 police stations and posts in different parts of Rio were attacked with grenades and automatic fire.

Four buses were set on fire, and gunmen are reported to have stopped emergency workers from getting close to the scene."