Robbers in Brazil hit a gem-cutting plant Sunday and fled with nine hostages, police said.
Three of the assailants died in the assault in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, a military police official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The attackers fled with their hostages into a wooded area of the town of Cotipora, with police in cars and helicopters in pursuit, the official said.
Robbers hit gem-cutting plant in Brazil, take 9 hostages
