8 killed in shootout during police operation in northeastern Brazil

SAO PAULO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Eight suspected criminals were killed and a military police officer was wounded Thursday during a shootout with police in the city of Eunapolis, Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia, authorities said.

According to Bahia's Public Security Secretariat, the operation targeted a criminal group allegedly planning an attempt to break inmates out of a municipal prison.

Police intercepted the group in a wooded area near the Jequitinhonha River in the early morning hours, triggering an armed confrontation.

All eight suspects were wounded in the exchange of gunfire and later taken to a local medical facility, where they died, local media reported.

Firearms, magazines and ammunition were seized at the scene, authorities said. ■