Video China World Entertainment Sports Lifestyle  
 

Rio to double the forces employed at London Olympics

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail CNTV, July 21, 2016
Adjust font size:

 

Officials in Rio have decided to step up their security measures for the Games in the wake of the recent attack in Nice. Brazil will increase the number of military troops to be deployed in and around Olympic venues and strategic sites to better ensure the safety of all who attend the mulit-sport showpiece.

One hundred soldiers ran another drill on Tuesday at Rio's Guanabara Bay-to test security plans just 17 days before the Rio Games kick off.

The drills began last week. They included a simulated anti- terrorism operation at a train station near one cluster of Olympic venues.

Another drill...at Maracana stadium, which will host the opening ceremony. Security concerns have increased following the truck attack in France.

"It is a difficult situation, a complex situation, because no one could have imagined that a truck could become a weapon of mass destruction," said Sergio Etchegoyen, Head Intelligence Service.

In addition to the deployment of 85,000 police officers and soldiers - double the force used at the London Olympics - the new measures will include extra checkpoints, barricades, road blocks and traffic restrictions.

"Although Brazil doesn't have a history of terror attacks, the country is stepping up security in Rio to protect more than 10 thousand athletes, 500 hundred thousand visitors and the city's own six million residents," said Lucrecia Franco, Rio de Janeiro.

Many Cariocas, as Rio's people call themselves, have mixed opinions on safety:

"There are some threats appearing on the news about terrorism targeting some delegations and that of course is worrying," said Sandra Gomes, Rio resident.

"I think it is going to be safe. Everything is going to be fine, because the army has taken over. But I am worried what will happen when the games end," another Rio resident Marcelo Paes said.

These simulations are just a part of Rio's security preparations for the Games that are relying mostly on international intelligence cooperation.

So far Brazilian authorities have denied Olympic accreditations to four people believed to have links to terrorism. Security officials have also recommended another 11,000 people be rejected, too.

 

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter