Brazil is deploying troops along its borders with 10 South American nations to reinforce security ahead of soccer’s World Cup that begins next month, officials say.

The defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday that it had begun deploying 30,000 army, navy and air force troops along the nearly 17,000 kilometres of border Brazil shares with its neighbours.

Planes, helicopters, and patrol boats will be used to stop drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other crimes, as well as illegal immigration during the June 12 -July 13 tournament.

Operation Agata also includes medical, dental and hospital care for low-income families living in border regions, the statement said.

A similar operation took place last year when 25,000 troops were deployed along Brazil’s borders, ahead of the Confederations Cup, the World Cup warm-up tournament.