One man dead as gang fight spills onto Rio streets

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A fierce gun battle between Brazilian solider and suspected gang members literally brought traffic to a standstill in Rio de Janeiro.

At least one person was killed when the shooting erupted on a busy road near the Mare favela during broad daylight, forcing motorists and pedestrians to run for shelter behind cars and buses.

It is understood the violence began early on Wednesday when rival gangs began fighting in the favelas which have been patrolled by the Brazilian army since April.

Mare is one of several impoverished areas in Rio where police and soldiers are trying to remove gangs and set up permanent posts.