Soldiers and gang members in intense gunfight near Brazil favela

At least one person was killed during a gunfight on Wednesday between Brazilian army soldiers and suspected gang members on a busy road near the Mare favela in Rio de Janeiro. Traffic on the Brasil Avenue was halted during the battle - which took place in broad daylight - with motorists sheltering for cover behind cars and buses. "He (military soldier) said the gangs are attacking, nobody can pass through there," said one woman, who had been taking cover next to a road barrier. The fighting calmed at nightfall, and authorities confirmed the death of one suspected gang member. The violence started early on Wednesday when rival gangs began fighting in the Mare complex of favelas, which have been patrolled by the Brazilian army since April. Mare is one of several impoverished areas in Rio where police or soldiers are trying to push out gangs and set up permanent posts.