New security concerns for upcoming Sochi winter games
Posted Jan 22, 2014 8:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Russian authorities continue to maintain they have everything under control and Sochi is safe, despite new threats against athletes and tourists heading to the Winter Games.
Hungarian Olympic officials have revealed their delegation has been threatened and warned to stay away from the Black Sea resort community.
They received an email message written in both Russian and English threatening their group with terrorist attacks.
President Zsolt Borkai said they are taking the situation seriously and that the appropriate authorities have been notified.
Hungary is just the latest nation after similar threats were issued to Italy and Slovenia.
The International Olympic Committee has said it’s not concerned by this latest email.
According to officials, it appears to have been a random message from a member of the public.
It’s just the latest problem for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Putin and US President Barack Obama spoke by phone Tuesday, and Obama again offered the assistance of his nation.
There are reports it could include equipment to detect and jam roadside bombs.
Counter-terror officials have also revealed they have killed one of the leaders of the Islamic terror group that’s targeting Sochi.
The Americans have dispatched warships to the region in the event of an emergency and they need to evacuate their citizens.
Canada will be setting up a consular office in the community to provide assistance to Canadians.
Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to Canadians travelling to the area on it’s website.
It reads: “any high profile international event is vulnerable to the risk of a terrorist attack. If you are planning to travel to the Games, take sensible precautions. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The Canadian Olympic Committee isn’t commenting on this latest round of threats, referring 660News to the statement it issued following the train bombing in Volgograd.
“The safety of our entire Canadian Olympic Team including our athletes, coaches, support staff and volunteers is always our main priority. The Canadian Olympic Committee works very closely with the RCMP, Sochi and Russian security agencies, medical and government partners in the months and years leading up to the Games to ensure the entire team remains safe throughout the Games.”
