Brazilian gov't extends armed forces' surveillance zone

The Brazilian government announced on Monday the enlargement of the armed forces' area of operations in Rio de Janeiro during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in order to "guarantee law and order."

The decree signed by interim President Michel Temer was published Monday in the extra edition of the official newspaper.

The extension will mainly be concentrated in Atlantica Avenue and its surrounding area, in Copacabana, and in the center of the city, including Santos Durmont airport and the Candelaria and Flamengo neighborhoods.

The decree came after Francisco Dornelles, vice-governor of Rio de Janeiro, put in a request saying that police had shown themselves to be insufficient when it comes to guaranteeing safety in these places.

Through a press release, the defence ministry informed that the troops will go about their business without increasing the number of soldiers which currently totals around 22,000 men from the army, navy and air force.

Using the armed forces to guarantee law and order allows military presence in the southern part of Rio, which includes part of Brasil Avenue, on the yellow and Olympic metro lines, as well as in the train stations.

With Monday's publication, the soldiers will now also be able to act in Copacabana and the center of Rio.

Up until now, the Olympic Games, inaugurated on Aug. 5, have gone without any major security problems. Endit