Olympics terror: Chance of Islamic State terror on Rio games is INCREASING, experts warn

THE threat of an Islamic State terror attack on the 2016 Rio Olympic games is increasing, according to security officials.

Brazil’s national intelligence agency has warned the threat of a terror attack by death-crazed jihadis is rising, less than four months before the games begin in August.

Counterterrorism director Luiz Alberto Sallaberry revealed the number of Brazilians who sympathise with ISIS – also known as Daesh – is rapidly rising.

The country’s most senior anti-terror chief confirmed a “credible threat” to state security from the blood-thirsty death cult had already been identified.

The chilling warning  will strike fear in the hearts of the thousands of Britons preparing to jet off to Brazil for the games.

Mr Sallaberry said his agency had taken several measures to avert a potential attack – including sharing information with foreign security forces and improved training.

But security experts have warned many Brazilian officials have no idea how big a stage the Olympics is for anyone seeking to terrorise them.

Officials have admitted ISIS militants could stage an attack on game venues, infrastructure nearby or the athletes and 500,000 tourists expected to attend.

Mr Sallaberry confirmed a credible threat to state security had been made last year.

An ominous tweet threatening Brazil in November by Maxime Hauchard – a French national identified as an executioner in ISIS propaganda videos – was genuine, he said.

The tweet warned: “Brazil, you are our next target.”

Brazil has long regarded itself as an unlikely target of extremists thanks to its historical standing as a non-aligned, multicultural nation free from enemies.

Brazilian officials – eager to pull off South America's first Olympics after successfully hosting the football World Cup in 2014 – have said previously they will ensure a safe games.

Organisers plan to deploy around 85,000 security personnel for the games – double the number used in London in 2012.

Подписывайтесь на канал