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Brazil Arrests Suspected Olympics Attack Planners


Brazilian army forces soldiers are pictured as they arrive at the Rio de Janeiro Air base to provide security during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 15, 2016.
Brazilian army forces soldiers are pictured as they arrive at the Rio de Janeiro Air base to provide security during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 15, 2016.

Police in Brazil have arrested 10 people suspected of planning attacks at next month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Two others have been brought in for questioning.

Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes described the group Tursday as "an absolutely amateur cell" and "disorganized." He said some of its members had made "pro forma" declarations of allegiance to the Islamic State militant group, but none had any direct contact with them.

The minister added that the cell was made up of all Brazilian citizens and organized through online messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The arrests and raids were carried out across the country.

Last week, following the truck attack in the French city of Nice, Brazil said it was increasing security for the Olympics, which begin August 5.

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