Brazil Tightens Border Security Ahead of Olympics Over Terrorism

Brazil has tightened its borders ahead of the Summer Olympics to reduce opportunities for terrorism during the Games' first trip to South America.

Reuters reported Tuesday that with recent terrorist attacks in Europe, Brazilian officials have added emphasis on monitoring and controlling its borders with Paraguay and Argentina. The news agencies pointed out that the Olympic Games will bring some 500,000 foreigners to Rio de Janeiro and surrounding venues for the worldwide competition.

Officials have increased checks at the border post in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, one of the busiest in the country, where thousands of people pass back and forth daily to both Paraguay and Argentina. The area is a popular tourist spot and a major smuggling route, stated Reuters.

One police source said, "There's no doubt the situation suits a would-be terrorist. Criminal activity, the flow of people, guns, and a well-established but closed Muslim community are all here."

The border is just one of the security focuses of Brazil during the Olympic Games. Brazil has increased its security cooperation with France and other countries in protecting its airports and train systems, according to The New York Times.

The newspaper stated that the United States has kept a decidedly low profile on is Olympic counterterrorism operations. Brazil's O Globo newspaper reported in 2013 that the National Security Agency (NSA) ran a continent-wide surveillance program from Brazil, which was part of the leaked information released by Edward Snowden, wrote the BBC News.

Military Police General Commander Edison Duarte said Monday, according to CNN, that the State of Rio de Janeiro plans to deploy almost 14,000 security officers, a third more than previously planned, during the coming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The force is part of the 85,000 security officers that have been deployed to the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rio state police, Brazilian Armed Forces members, Navy, and police from other states will help patrol during the Games.

• Jason Lee's Rio 'Express Kidnapping' Common in Brazil
• Olympics 'Dirty Bomb' in Rio, Perhaps by ISIS, Is a Real Fear