A passenger walks as Brazilian Air force soldiers patrol the Tom Jobim International airport ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 19, 2016. (Photo/Agencies)
Brazil is ready to face possible terrorist attacks, Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes said on Monday.
In the inauguration of the International Police Cooperation Center (CCPI) in Brasilia, the minister said that 250 police officers from 55 countries will join forces and work around the clock to exchange intelligence to prevent attacks and monitor criminals on the run.
"There is nothing more intelligent than prevention when it comes to fighting crime and terrorism," the minister said. "This center will allow any of the foreign policemen to communicate with their countries immediately, and consult foreign databases and cross data."
In four days, Rio will be the host of the Olympic Games, which last until Aug. 21. In September, the country will host the Paralympic Games.
Moraes expressed his confidence that the games will occur without any major incidents, and stressed Brazil's capacity to deal with problems. But he admitted no one can guarantee that no incidents will take place.
"Brazil is as ready as any other country in the world that are best prepared. No country can state for sure that no crimes or attacks will occur, but I am saying that we did our homework," he said.
In July, Brazilian police arrested 13 people accused of planning a terrorist attack on the Games. According to the police, they had ties to the terrorist group Islamic State.
