Brazil setting aside $856M, 157,000 troops and police for World Cup security

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Brazil setting aside $856M, 157,000 troops and police for World Cup security

The Associated Press Published Friday, May 23, 2014 8:31PM EDT

A youth decorates a street wall with the design of Brazil's flag for the upcoming World Cup in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, May 23, 2014. Brasilia is one of the host cities for the international soccer tournament that starts in June. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

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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.

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.