The United States and Brazil have joined forces to ensure the utmost security measures are taken as the Olympic Games in Rio fast approaches.
In light of recent worldwide attacks that have been claimed by the Islamic State, many involved with the Olympics have a growing sense of fear. From August 5 to August 21, countries from around the world will be represented in Rio de Janeiro, the second most populous city in Brazil. Already, there have been several concerns with current conditions within the Olympic community. Poor housing, contaminated water, and the threat of Zika have already been blemishes against the Brazilian locale.
Now, several credible terrorist threats broadcasted by the Islamic States have many nations on high alert. On the Telegram website, ISIS released a statement calling for “lone wolfs” to converge upon Rio and boasted of an arsenal that could include “poisons or medicines,” as well as bomb-carrying drones. They also referenced the 1972 Israeli Olympic massacre as a source for inspiration.
Brazilian security has been busy as of late. Last week, it was reported that the private security firm that was in charge of the games had been fired by the Brazil Ministry of Justice, citing “incompetence and irresponsibility.” 500 personnel were fired as a result.
The company was supposed to be armed with 3,400.
Now, the embattled Brazilian police force have been put in charge. There have been issues regarding their wages, which has led to strikes as the Olympics inch closer. But police and antiterrorism units have the backing of the United States, where extensive training has proceeded in the face of such threats. While high profile locations such as stadiums and arenas will be under close surveillance, recent terrorist attacks have shown that “soft-spots” like restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are just as, if not more, vulnerable.
In their broadcast, ISIS called for the targeting of all nationalities. American, French, Israeli, it does not matter. ISIS seeks to instill fear on a wider scale simultaneously. Last week twelve were detained by Brazilian police for a terrorist plot, though the group was made up of amateurs and not professional soldiers and killers.
The games begin this week. The whole world will be on edge.
