Brazil deploys over 60,000 troops for Olympic Games

Brazil has started deploying tens of thousands of police officers and army troops to Rio de Janeiro to beef up security as athletes begin to arrive for the 2016 Olympics.

More than 60,000 troops took positions across the city on Sunday, part of an overall contingent of more than 85,000 soldiers, police and other security forces that will be deployed across Rio for the event.

The huge deployment of security forces is meant to help establish law and order in the often chaotic and violent mega-city of 12 million.

Meantime, Brazilian intelligence forces are in contact with their foreign counterparts to receive tips on threats posed by international terrorist organizations, such as al-Qaeda and Daesh.

Last week, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly tipped off Brazilian intelligence service, helping their security authorities arrest 11 Brazilians who investigators say were sympathetic to Daesh.

The suspects are said to have discussed possible terrorist attacks during the Rio Games.

The games, which start on August 5, are the first Olympic Games to be ever held in any South American country.