Seven Dead in Rio Slum Gunbattles

Seven people, including one police officer, were fatally shot during gunbattles that erupted in a slum complex near Rio international airport, authorities said on Tuesday.

An officer with a special operations force known under the acronym BOPE, and a resident were fatally shot late Monday as the police unit intervened against criminals who were shaking down motorists caught in a demonstration, officials said.

Police said five "suspects" were killed early Tuesday when BOPE moved to arrest those believed to have been involved in the attacks on motorists.

Several people were detained Monday and Tuesday, and police said they also confiscated weapons and marijuana.

Authorities on Tuesday deployed some 1,000 security personnel to the area, backed by an armored vehicle.

Brazil is currently facing unprecedented social unrest, marked by almost daily street protests to demand better public services and an end to rampant political corruption.