Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

12 Brazilian suspects have been arrested for discussing a potential attack during the Games. Prosecutors understand the optics of detaining the dozen men, but are quick to point out -- making idle threats at a sensitive time are 'no joke'.

Prosecutor Rafael Brum Miron says the the suspects, are alleged sympathizers of the so-called Islamic State militant group, and discussed an attack with at least two foreigners who formed part of a messaging group. One suspect wrote via messaging service that "the Olympics are an opportunity to reach paradise. Brazilian officials say the suspects were amateurs but all threats must be taken seriously.

"Nobody incentivized by the Islamic State is motivated by religion, Islamic State is terrorism. There's no other name for it. So, we were worried about it. They are amateurs, yes, but if they posed no threat during the Olympics, they evidently would not have been arrested. The arrests were no joke," Miron said.