‘Brazil, you are next’ ISIS issue ‘CREDIBLE THREAT’ to 2016 Rio Olympics

BRAZIL has warned the threat of an ISIS terror attack on the 2016 Rio Olympic Games is rising.

THREAT: ISIS has threatened to spoil the 2016 Rio Olympic party

The country’s national intelligence agency has warned the threat of a terror attack by Islamic militants is on the rise – less than four months before the games start in August.

Counterterrorism director Luiz Alberto Sallaberry revealed the number of Brazilians who sympathise with Islamic State – also known as Daesh – is increasing.

And he confirmed a “credible threat” to state security from ISIS had been identified.

The warning – from the country’s most senior anti-terror chief – will strike fear in the hearts of the thousands of Brits preparing to head off for the sporting showcase.

EXECUTIONER: ISIS executioner Maxime Hauchard made the threat to Brazil

Counterterrorism director Luiz Alberto Sallaberry revealed the number of Brazilians who sympathise with Islamic State – also known as Daesh – is increasing.

And he confirmed a “credible threat” to state security from ISIS had been identified.

The warning – from the country’s most senior anti-terror chief – will strike fear in the hearts of the thousands of Brits preparing to head off for the sporting showcase.

Sallaberry said his agency had taken several measures to avert a potential attack – including sharing information with foreign security forces and improved training.

But security experts have warned many Brazilian officials have no idea how big a stage the Olympics is for anyone seeking to sow terror – either through an attack on game venues, infrastructure nearby or the athletes and 500,000 tourists expected to attend.

STADIUM: The Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Sallaberry confirmed a credible threat to state security had been made last year.

A tweet threatening Brazil sent in November by Maxime Hauchard – a French national identified as an executioner in ISIS propaganda videos – was genuine, he said.

The tweet said: ”Brazil, you are our next target.”

Brazil has long regarded itself as an unlikely target of extremists thanks to its historical standing as a non-aligned, multicultural nation free from enemies.

Brazilian officials – eager to pull off South America's first Olympics after successfully hosting the soccer World Cup in 2014 – have said previously they will ensure a safe games starting August 5.

Organisers plan to deploy around 85,000 security personnel for the games – DOUBLE the number used in London in 2012.

Ticket sales for the 2016 Rio Olympics have already been hit by the Zika virus.