Rio Olympics: Brazil vows to be ready in case terror strikes
Rio de Janeiro has long had a reputation for dangerous favelas, with muggings and kidnappings not uncommon. But authorities are stepping up measures to tackle a different kind of security threat altogether when the Rio Olympic Games begin August 5.
Wary that the international sporting event is a potential prime target for terrorists, Brazilian forces have been working with specialist French SWAT teams to simulate attack scenarios.
In one drill, Brazil special forces and a police dog chase down an armed gunman to thwart a possible attack on Rio's subway system. The dramatic display is meant to reassure journalists that a country with limited experience in handling terrorism is ready for the unthinkable.
"There is not a specific threat," said Lt. Gen. Luiz Linhares with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense. "You have to screen for a great (spectrum) of threat."
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