The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: GETTY/SG)

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.

(Image: IG)

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.

(Image: GETTY)

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.