The images coming from Brazil. Bank robbers tied up citizens who had been taken hostage in the tops of cars as human shields during an episodic chase. At least three people were killed.
About 20 armed robbers are believed to have stormed three banks in downtown Araçatuba, 290 miles from Sao Paulo. According to the BBC, more than 50 people were involved in the robbery.
The bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a police recruiting center at Kisak, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens more, police said.
In one video, gunmen are seen forming queues hostages on the streets, before tying them to the roofs and hoods of their cars, in an attempt to escape.
At least three people were killed during the attack, including two citizens and a robber, according to Brazilian media. Two people were arrested in connection with the case.
The entire city was cordoned off with police warning that bombs were falling on the streets and stressing that citizens should stay in their homes.
The raid began when the robbers they stole and burned at least four vehicles, which they then used to block roads. One was parked outside the local military police headquarters, trapping officers inside, while two more vehicles were parked on a main highway.
The robbers targeted banks, escaping with an unknown amount.
Then they started taking hostages, who they threatened with weapons, before tying them to the cars.
On the way they dropped bombs to prevent the authorities from following them.
At least four people were injured in the shootings, with no evidence of their health.
Araçatuba Mayor Dilador Borges said police were forced to back down as there were fears for citizens.
Authorities have regained control of the city center, but the fate of the hostages is unknown. It is also unclear how much money they stole, and the exact number of hostages remains unknown.
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