Brazil setting aside 157,000 troops and police for World Cup Security

BRASILIA, Brazil – Brazilian officials say they are setting aside about $856 million and preparing 157,000 soldiers and police officers for the security plan for the monthlong World Cup.

Defence Minister Celso Amorim told a news conference Friday that Brazil is “perfectly prepared” to guarantee security for citizens and visitors to the dozen cities hosting the soccer tournament beginning June 12.

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Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said authorities don’t anticipate protests as intense as those seen during last year’s Confederations Cup, a warm up for this year’s championship.

The ministers said the money will be used to buy equipment including patrol cars, aircraft, computers and non-lethal weapons, and for specialized training for such things as terrorism prevention and handling explosives, as well as expanding intelligence services.