Brazil's armed forces begin special Olympic operation

Brazil is raising its guard and tightening security ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The South American country has deployed tens of thousands of troops in Rio’s streets to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, residents and visitors.

The deployment is over twice that in place for the 2012 London Olympics at a time of heightened fears after recent attacks in Germany, France and the United States.

“From today onwards, with the opening of the Olympic Village, the Brazilian Armed Forces will officially begin to carry out their responsibilities as designated for defence and security during the Olympic and Paralympics,” said Raul Jungmann, the country’s defence minister.

From an awareness campaign designed to foil terror plots to sharing intelligence and conducting security drills, Brazil is doing everything possible to boost security.

Last week, authorities arrested 11 Brazilians who investigators say were sympathetic to the Islamic State.

With the games set to start on August 5th, Brazil is anticipating as many as 600,000 foreign visitors.*

Reuters