A terrorist attack targeting the French delegation at the Rio 2016 Olympics has been foiled. The head of French military intelligence claims that undisclosed “partner agencies” tipped French security off to the alleged plot by an Islamist militant from Brazil. No other details about the planned attack have been released.
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A spokesperson for Brazil’s institutional security cabinet told the media that they were not the “partner agencies” that tipped French officials off to the threat. They state that the Brazilian Intelligence Agency was not officially informed of the attack. The information was reportedly discovered by investigating reports of the Paris terror attacks in January and November.
The information was publicly published as security services in Rio were prepping a simulated attack to test the readiness of counter-terrorism response plans. Approximately 500 police officers, military troops, and first responders will be involved in the simulated attack.
Brazilian military police participating in crisis simulation exercises.
Brazil’s ministry of defense has stated that they are boosting military presence in the host city to dissuade any potential attacks. Acting Governor Francisco Dornelles personally requested the troop increase. 41,000 troops will now be present through the five football host cities and Rio. The number of military and non-military police and security members will reach more than 85,000 by the time the games are initiated.
This is more than double the number of security forces used for the London Olympic games in 2012. Defense Minister of Brazil, Raul Jungmann, states that more police will be brought in if they are deemed necessary. 12 ships, 70 armored vehicles, and 28 helicopters will accompany the security forces when the Athlete’s Village officially opens on July 24, 2016.
Brazil will not work alone to combat the threat of possible terrorist attacks. The United States, UK, Spain, Belgium, Argentina, France, and Paraguay will collaborate with Brazilian agencies to provide additional security.
