Brazil beefs up border security ahead of World Cup

Associated Press

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil is adding troops along its borders with 10 South American nations to reinforce security ahead of the World Cup football tournament that begins in June, the Defense Ministry said Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement that it has begun deploying 30,000 army, navy and air force troops along the nearly 10,600 miles (17,000 kilometers) of border Brazil shares with its neighbors.

Planes, helicopters, and patrol boats will be used during "Operation Agata 8" to stop drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other crimes, as well as illegal immigration during the June 12 -July 13 tournament.

Operation Agata also includes medical, dental and hospital care for low-income families living in border regions, the statement said.

A similar operation took place last year when 25,000 troops were deployed along Brazil's borders, ahead of the Confederations Cup, the World Cup warm-up tournament.