Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: "Toothpaste Bomb" Threatens Olympic Games' Security
The American Authorities have warned airlines about "toothpaste bombs" which individuals may attempt to smuggle on flights going to Russia where the Olympic Games are being held.
The Daily Mail has reported that Homeland Security says toothpaste tubes could be used to smuggle explosives onto planes heading to Russia for Sochi game.
The Sochi games have received a number of terrorist threats that are determined to strike during the games. This has prompted some US lawmakers to advise Americans to refrain from attending the games. However, President Obama as well as Secretary John Kerry has not dissuaded Americans who would like to experience as well as support the American athletes.
Officials say that the bombs could be assembled during flight or arrival at the location of the games.
The Russian Government has remained on high alert to prevent any militant attacks. ABC reports that Russia's top Olympic official appeared unfazed by the warnings of Americans. Russian authorities are making every effort to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators at the Games.
"All the information we have at this moment on threats and risks allows us to say that security at the Olympics will be provided," said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak. Kozan is the overall in-charge of the games.
Americans claim that the threat has been sourced from "very specific and credible information."
Russia has already taken precautions and has banned all liquids and gels, including toothpaste, from being brought in carry-on luggage through its airports last month.
"I think you're going to see a tightening of the screening procedures on these types of items that could contain explosive devices, that could either be used to blow up an airplane going to Russia or be smuggled into the Sochi are for the Olympics," McCaul, R-Texas, said.
Sochi has been on high alert in the last few months with the games officially kicking off Friday. Threats are coming in from Islamic militants in the region who oppose the conduct of the games.
Sochi is located near the Black See and only 300 miles away from the heartland of an Islamic militancy in the North Caucasus. The leader of insurgents in Russia, Doku Umarov, called on his followers last summer to do what they can to disrupt the Games, which he called a "satanic dance" on the bones of their ancestors.
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