Brazil Investigates 'Terrorist Threats' During the Olympics 'Thoroughly'

Brazil's security organization, in response to a question regarding threats from a group possibly linked to the 'Islamic State', stated that 'threats related to the 2016 Olympics in Rio are being thoroughly investigated.' The security group 'SAIT', which monitors cyberspace, recently reported that a group calling itself 'Ansar al-Khalifa in Brazil' claimed on the messaging app 'Telegram' to follow Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed caliph of 'ISIS', and has published propaganda in Arabic, English, and Portuguese (the common language in Brazil). Reuters reports that 'ABIN', Brazil's security agency, stated in a release on July 20 that 'all threats, especially terrorist threats related to the Rio 2016 games, are being thoroughly examined.' The statement noted that 'many of these threats are dismissed, but those that require more attention are subjected to comprehensive investigation.' However, 'ABIN' did not make a direct reference to the alleged group 'Ansar al-Khalifa in Brazil' or specific reports about it. The Rio Olympics will begin on August 5, two weeks from now. In light of the Nice attack carried out by a truck driver, Brazil's security forces have increased their preparedness. Currently, 85,000 police officers, soldiers, and other security forces are responsible for the security of the Olympics. This number is more than double the security personnel at the London 2012 Olympics. During the London Olympics four years ago, security measures were also significantly increased, but the number of protective security forces was considerably lower than in Brazil. Brazilian President Michel Temer invited tourists and those intending to watch the Olympics to travel to the country in a video message last Monday, stating, 'Do not worry.' Reuters, quoting security officials in Brazil, reported that their main concern is not about coordinated and planned attacks by known groups, but the possibility of individual attacks or actions by groups that support extremist militants.