Brazil will closely monitor security at major international events it will be hosting to thwart any terrorist plots, Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said on May 18.

As host to the World Cup in 2014 and the summer Olympics in 2016, Brazil is working to improve infrastructure such as remodeling its famed Maracaná stadium (pictured), to improve security. (Photo: AFP)

Brazil will closely monitor security at major international events it will be hosting to thwart any terrorist plots, Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said on May 18.

Patriota was reacting to an unsourced report from Washington in the Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera stating that security services were on alert following plans by a group allegedly close to Iran to attack in Brazil, Colombia and possibly Bolivia.

“We are keeping a close watch on this to ensure that we continue to be free from terrorist attacks,” Patriota told reporters.

“Be assured that all is being carefully examined,” Patriota said.

In November, Roberto Troncon, chief of the São Paulo federal police, said he was concerned about possible terror attacks during the 2014 World Cup, noting that authorities were working on “a scenario of rather high risk.”

In June, Brazil will host a world summit on sustainable development, and in 2013 it hosts the football Confederations Cup.

After the World Cup, Brazil hosts the summer Olympics in 2016.